JAYAPURA - Representatives of the Papua Provincial Government held a meeting with the PNG Delegation in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Wednesday (21/8/2024).

The meeting discussed Indonesian border crossers who will witness Pope Francis' visit to Vanimo PNG on September 8, 2024.

"In the context of Pope Francis' visit to Vanimo PNG, the Acting Governor of Papua ordered the Assistant 1 Regional Secretary together with some heads of Regional Apparatus Organization accompanied by the Indonesian Consul General for PNG to meet the PNG delegation."

"As the party who accompanied Assistant I, we discussed the visit of Pope Francis," explained the Head of the Papua Communication and Informatics Service, Jeri A. Yudianto, via his cell phone.

Jeri said that the meeting was held because until now, more than 200 Catholics have registered through the Diocese of Jayapura to attend the visit of Pope Francis.

The Indonesian Consul General for PNG, Alexander Tangkuman Imanuel emphasized that Indonesian border crossers who will be present at the agenda must follow the administrative provisions set.

Nevertheless, his party stated that it would participate in helping Catholics to meet the necessary conditions.

His party is also ready to encourage the availability of transportation for Papuan Catholics while in Vanimo PNG.

"Vanimo has limited transportation and accommodation. So that the delegates find the best solution according to existing regulations," he said.

For your information, Pope Francis plans to arrive in Vanimo - PNG on September 8, 2024 at around 15.15 local time.

The Pope will also conduct a public audience in Vanimo Square without the Eucharist and will conduct a Private Visit in Baro Village.

When the activity is over, Papuan Catholics who come will return home on the same day, considering that the accommodation conditions in Vanimo are limited. ***