Over 35, 000 Catholics gathered this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to celebrate the Holy Mass with the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The gathering saw Catholic faithfuls from all over Papua New Guinea, those ones who can make to Port Moresby, attend the Mass which started just after 8am. Following the conclusion of the Holy Mass, we (PNG HAUSBUNG) had a chat with some of these faithfuls who attended with the rest of the people to get their thoughts about the service and Pope’s message to Papua New Guinea. Many felt blessed just to be there and to see the Pope, highlighting the significance of his message, which are instructions for all Christians to live as one, protect nature and focus on peace amongst all men.

Catholics started arriving as early as 1am this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby celebrate Mass with the Holy Father Pope Francis. PNG HAUSBUNG onsite this morning outside the perimeter of the stadium to observe the movement of people. According to one Marshall on site, it was between 1am and 2am that people started arriving to avoid the long queue that is expected. Security was also tight with Marshals, police, Correctional Service officers and security guards controlling the movement of vehicles and people. Vehicles with passes were let in while the rest had to just drop off as the inside of the stadium areas already has quite a number of vehicles inside. there were also two pickup points for the public where shuttle buses provided transportation. These places are the Unagi Oval and the Independence Boulevards at Waigani. People had to leave their vehicles at these points where security will be provided for them. Meantime, as the time went by, a lot more people started gathering with lines getting longer at both entrances into the stadium, the one at PNG Education Institute and the main one at the Vision City side. The main gates will close off by 7am and the Mass will start thereafter where Pope Francis will be the main celebrant.

Despite one’s limitation or disabilities, each of us are unique in our own ways and knowing and believing that God loves us and has a plan for every one of us, is what matters more than anything else. That was the message from Pope Francis this afternoon at the Caritas Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby city when he met with little children supported by the Callan Services of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Pope when responding to questions from three children supported by Callan Services, who had audience with the Pope, said God knows each of our struggles and we all should focus on what he has planned for us and His undying love for humanity. Which was the reason why Jesus died for us on the cross. The children then performed for the Pope, presented gifts and the Pope also presented them with gifts as well. Towards the end of his visit at the all- girls institution, Pope Francis then took the time to go say hello to everyone in the school hall, visiting the kids, the families and laying his hand and blessing little children and babies that their parents brought to see the Pope. Meantime, the school received the Pope with very high spirits, lining along the driveway into the school with the PNG flag and the Vatican flag in hand. Some were in their school uniforms while others in traditional attire, representing all four regions of the country. There were also traditional dancers from Manus, the Central province and West New Britain performing to welcome Pope Francis. The school’s teachers and administration staff where also fully present to coordinate the welcoming ceremony and the receiving of the Pope. Pope Francis after arriving at the school, also took time to visit the students and traditional dancers outside before heading into the school hall to meet the children. The Pope after the event at Caritas Technical Secondary School, departed for the Don Bosco Technical Institute, which is just on the other side of the school.

The Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae, officially welcomed Pope Francis this morning at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, acknowledging what the Catholic church has done in contributing to Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) development. Sir Dadae said this support by the catholic church is through the provision education, health care, social development, through to disaster and humanitarian assistance that the church has continued to deliver to the people. “The Catholic church is another key development partner of the Government in services delivery in the country. Our government recognises the strong contributions of the church,” said the Sir Bob Dadae. “We appreciate the global leadership and advocacy that the Vatican continues to provide on a global humanitarian issues like war, gender issues, climate change, health and education.” The Governor General also acknowledged the work put in by the Catholic church in addressing gender issues, the rights of women, advocating against violence against women and violence in general. “We also recognise the spiritual and physical care that the church continues to give to those that are being abused, neglected or rejected by families and communities, and human rights abuse in the country.” There are cases of violence here too in PNG and in your presence and in your presence, we want to remind our citizens to observe the moral values and ethical principles that defines us as Christian and recommit to love and peaceful existence in our society. Touching on climate change, he extended his appreciation the work of the Catholic mission and those of the Christian faith who continue to serve those who are affected by climate change in PNG and across the pacific. ‘We seek your prayers and support for global action and advocation on climate change.” The Governor General thanked the head of the Catholic church for this big support that the Catholic church continues to give and assured his Holiness that the national government will continue to support the church and work together with the church to serve the people of PNG. Pope Francis in his keynote address, which was translated speech from Latin to English, said that he was pleased to visit PNG and appreciated the warm welcome from the people and the government. He also expressed his fascination of PNG, saying its a country of many cultures, tribes and resources. “These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner. A manner that improves the wellbeing of all, excluding nobody, through concrete programmes, international cooperation, mutual respect and agreements beneficial to all parties,” Pope Francis said. “In your homeland, an archipelago with hundreds of islands, more than eight hundred languages are spoken, corresponding to just as many ethnic groups." “This points to an extraordinary cultural richness. I must confess that this greatly fascinates me, also on a spiritual level, because I imagine that this enormous variety is a challenge to the Holy Spirit, who creates harmony amid differences.” “Your country, besides consisting of islands and languages, is also rich in natural resources. These goods are destined by God for the entire community.” Touching on violence, Pope Francis hopes and pray for a peaceful end to all forms of violence in the country, touching a little bit on Bougainville as well. “It is my particular hope that tribal violence will come to an end, for it causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace and hinders development.” “I appeal, therefore, to everyone’s sense of responsibility to stop the spiral of violence and instead resolutely embark on the path that leads to fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all the people of the country.” “Indeed, the aforementioned attitudes can create the conditions in which the question of the status of Bougainville Island can also find a definitive solution while avoiding the rekindling of ancient tensions,” said the Pope. Pope Francis also assured that the Catholic church will always work in partnership with the state to bring about service, help develop the physical and spiritual well-being of the people of PNG. Meantime, the Pope will be visiting Caritas Technical Secondary School and Don Bosco Technical Institute at East Boroko to start off his afternoon visits.

Pope Francis will be arriving soon here at the APEC Haus in Downtown Port Moresby city for his engagement with the leaders both local and regional. Pacific Islands heads of state are also present this morning, including the Vanuatu Prime Minister. Local leaders in the likes of MP Pomio Elias Kapavore, MP Kandep Don Pole and Central Governor Rufina Peter are among others leaders here this morning.

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church is now in country after touching down in Port Moresby city at around 7:20pm this evening at the Jackson International Airport to start his three days visit, which will include a trip to Vanimo in West Sepik province on Sunday. The Pope arrived on board the Garuda Indonesia airline, travelling in from Indonesia from his visit there. There to receive him was Deputy Prime Minister (PM), John Rosso in place of PM James Marape who is observing his sabbath and unable to receive the Pope himself. Although his Holiness was on a wheelchair, that didn’t stop him from attending the guard of honour ceremony for him provided by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force at the APEC Terminal. The Pope later met the Papua New Guinea (PNG) dignitaries that were there to receive him, including Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Powes Parkop, and the Bishops and Cardinal John Ribat. The Pope then retired for the evening and departed for the Apostolic Nunciature. Tomorrow, the Pope will commence his day with a visitation to the Government House in Konedobu to meet with Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae and then head over to the APEC Haus where he will have a meet and greet with the Heads of Government of the Pacific Island countries, who have also arrived in country during the day. Meantime earlier in the afternoon, Catholic faithfuls gathered as early as 4pm, lined up along the route that the Pope will take on his way to his place of residence. Outside the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby, many waited for his Holiness Pope Francis to arrive. The group consisted of the various parishes in the city and from the dioceses from the provinces who travelled in to see the Pope arrive and attend the service on Sunday. Groups from Madang, Wewak, Bereina in Central province and even Jiwaka where out to welcome the Pope. One thing that was clear from all the people waiting; is that his visit to PNG will bring about peace, love and unity, especially at time when the country is currently facing economic and social problems.

The current cost of living challenges experienced by people is mostly driven by imported inflation. According to the ongoing Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) nationwide price surveillance exercise, it is evident that the current depreciation of Kina against major trading currencies like the US and Australia dollars are putting pressure on food process because most of the basic goods on shop shelves are imported. The ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paulus Ain said some major importers of food products and other basic goods have also raised similar concerns about the Kina depreciation especially its impact on cost of external financing of food imports. To relief some of these burdens, the government has provided some household assistance, and it is continuing to provide these assistances to cushion massive price shock increases. “The ICCC is mindful of the need to ensure the business houses continue to recover their increased costs to ensure we have ongoing supply of these basic goods like rice, frozen goods, canned food, flour and sugar in the country,” Mr. Ain reiterated. “While we are mindful of the need to ensure businesses recover their legitimate costs, the ICCC is vigilant to prevent price gouging in the country.” The ICCC further clarified that it is not responsible for the overall management of inflation in the country, but Bank of Papua New Guinea does. The ICCC is only mandated to regulate the prices of certain goods and services only to prevent price gouging in PNG. In so doing, the ICCC will continue to inspect wholesale and retail shops nationwide to implement the Price Control Measures (Measure No. 4: Price Control), which was issued by the Controller of the National Pandemic Office in 2023. Measure No. 4 simply ensures that most of the listed goods on the ICCC watch list, which are essential basic goods, remain within the 10% range. These goods include rice, flour cooking oil, sugar, baby formula, tinned fish, tinned meat, frozen chicken products, frozen meat products, and soap (hard bar and liquid). However, Mr. Ain urges business houses who would like to increase prices of the declared goods and services above 10% to seek prior approval from ICCC first. Failure to do so will result in penalties imposed, including a hefty fine of K10, 000.

Parliament sitting resumed this morning only to adjourn for a week to allow time for the VONC motion to go through its process as required by the constitution. Leader of Government Business and Member for Bougainville Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said the motion of a VONC is now active having been entered on the parliament notice paper. The Leader of Government Business then moved a motion to adjourn parliament to Thursday 12th September, at 10am

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape remains steadfast in remaining in power even though there could be a new prime minister by next week now that the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion is in play. In a press conference held right after parliament set yesterday, Marape said he has the strong support of his coalition party members from United Resource Party, Social Democratic Party, People’s First Party and the National Alliance Party, boasting a Pangu Pati led coalition government strength of 77 members. The prime minister and Pangu Pati leader said he accepts the VONC motion, which was approved by Private Members Committee on Wednesday and placed on the notice paper, saying he will face the vote next week to test the numbers on the floor of parliament. “If the government maintains absolute number, this is above 58 members, then government is still in office. If the number is lost, then there will be a new government,” explained Prime Minister Marape. Prime Minister Marape also welcomed Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita as the Opposition’s nominee for the role of Prime Minister in the upcoming VONC scheduled for Thursday, September 12th. “I offer my congratulations on Paita becoming the Opposition’s nominee and appreciate the Opposition for getting the forms filled correctly as required by Section 145 of our Constitution and Section 130 of the Standing Orders.” “Tomorrow morning (today), the name will be placed on Parliament notice and by operation of law, Parliament will adjourn to next Thursday when the motion is voted upon. Meantime, the prime minister is urging the people to remain calm and peaceful and allow the parliamentary leaders to carry out their constitutional duties. He also reminded the people that Pope Francis will be arriving in country tomorrow, Friday 6th September for his three days visit to Papua New Guinea. He said it's a time for people to also reflect on our lives and come to God. He also said with the Pope’s visit, it is a time to take a break from all the politics for a while and focus on love, peace and unity, especially with the 49th Independence coming up.

Parliament sitting resumed this afternoon at 2pm with the Speaker of Parliament announcing that the Private Members Committee's deliberation on the notice for a Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) against the sitting Prime Minister, have come to the consensus that the notice is in order, meaning the VONC is now in motion. The VONC motion notice was issued by the Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa in a show of No Confidence in Prime Minister James Marape and nominates Rainbo Paita as the Alternative Prime Minister. The motion of a VONC is now on the notice paper and the Clerk of Parliament will make a formal announcement tomorrow in parliament. The process will take seven days after registering on the notice paper and the actual VONC will now take place next week. The VONC motion notice was issued this morning by the Opposition team to the Speaker of Parliament before 10am. More details to follow shortly on this story... Keep following PNG HAUSBUNG and listen in to the news on NAU FM, Yumi FM and Legend FM at 5 and 6pm. You sent

The Minister for Administrative Affair has stated that he expects the 2024 National Census to fully wrap by the end of September 2024, stating also that the census has not failed. The Minister said this during question time in parliament this morning when responding to questions by the MP for Pomio Elias Kapavoe, on its status when referring to the Census being prolonged and affecting the Local Level Government (LLG) Elections, now further deferring it to 2025. Minister Richard Masere said despite delays to its commencement, it has progressed well in over two months with 6 LLGs in tier three training, 31 LLGs undergoing enumeration, 172 LLGs synchronizing data and quality checks and 146 LLGs almost completing synchronizing and awaiting final numbers. That's out of the total of 355 LLGs in Papua New Guinea. The Minister added that the only region that fully completed the Census is the New Guinea Islands region. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the New Guinea Island because they worked tirelessly to complete theirs,” said the minister. “Manus completed their census, New Ireland have completed their census, East New Britain have completed their census, West New Britain and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have completed their census.” Minister Masere also said that the Central province has also completed their census. “I’d like to congratulate those provinces simply because there is leadership on ground.” He clarified that due to the remoteness of most parts of the country, logistical issues have also brought about the delay, but he is looking to complete the National Census by end of this month. The minster also said he will soon present a full report on the 2024 National Census on the floor of parliament.

The Opposition is expected to submit the notice for the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) this morning at 10am when parliament resumes sitting in Port Moresby today. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Job Pomat, on Tuesday afternoon urged the Opposition to present the notice today, stating that it is important that this goes through the process with no more delays because parliament will sit for only two weeks. The Speaker also said the previous matters relating to the VONC from the previous parliament session have been settled in court and now it's time to move on as the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are waiting for this to be over with. “The country is now watching us; the country wants us to process this. So, it must go through for the Private Members Committee to deal with by 12pm (Today), and if all is good, it goes on the notice paper on Thursday and after seven days, we come back and process it,” said the Speaker of Parliament. “I believe the country wants this to happen, so I call upon the Opposition to bring the notice paper, if it is ready.” Meantime, Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta will continue to remain as a member of the Private Members Committee, this time representing the Opposition on the Committee. “Therefore, I believe, judging from the previous issues, this time everything should be alright,” Mr. Pomat commented.