JAYAPURA - The Papua Provincial Government has ensured that as many as 160 Catholics will follow the agenda of Pope Francis in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This readiness was revealed in a preparatory meeting for the arrival of Pope Francis to Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Monday (19/8/2024). The meeting was chaired by Assistant I of the Papua Regional Secretariat, Yohanis Walilo.

"A total of 160 Papuan Catholics are church leaders, several bishops, including priests and nuns who will be there (Vanimo). In addition, there are also Catholic residents," said Walilo, after the meeting with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum of Papua.

Walilo said the number of residents who will be facilitated to Vanimo is limited. Not all of the Bishops in Papua also went to Vanimo, because some attended Pope Francis' activities in Jakarta.

"We have also asked the Transportation Department to prepare vehicles. Because large vehicles cannot enter considering the narrow road access, small vehicles are needed," he said.

Walilo added, that this meeting discussed departure times, lodging facilities, food and drinks and vehicles.

Furthermore, a meeting will be held between the Papua Provincial Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea on August 21 to finalize the preparations for Papuan Catholics who go to Vanimo.

"We will complete all the preparations for the meeting on August 21. So, this meeting we will report the results in a joint meeting with the Government of Papua New Guinea," he said. ***