He Pope Francis He asked this Saturday in Papua New Guinea a fair exploitation of the country’s natural resources, in order to promote the well-being of the entire population.
During his first speech in Port Moresbythe capital, the pontiff stressed that these assets “are destined by God for the entire community” and called for the income derived from these resources to benefit local communities.
“It is necessary to bring about sustainable and equitable development that promotes the well-being of all, without excluding anyone.“, he stressed.
Francis also condemned the recurring tribal violence in this country and appealed to a “sense of responsibility” to stop the spiral of violence that affects development.
“I hope for an end to tribal aggressions that prevent us from living in peace and hinder progress.“, he said before political and civil leaders, accompanied by the governor general Bob Dadae and Prime Minister James Marape.
Papua New Guinea, rich in gold, copper, gas and other resources, has attracted investment from foreign multinationals, but the pope stressed that the exploitation of these resources must take into account the needs of local populations.
“It is only fair that it is distributed equitably and local labor is used to improve the living conditions of all.“, declared the Holy Father, in a country that, according to World Bank data, maintains high levels of poverty despite the increase in GDP over the last decade.
Francis also mentioned environmental problems, such as massive deforestation, and called for a joint commitment by “governors and citizens” to ensure sustainable development that excludes no one.
He placed special emphasis on the Bougainville Islanda region that suffered a bloody armed conflict and whose independence process has not yet been completed. The Pope urged that tensions be resolved to avoid new clashes.
““It is essential to stop the spiral of violence and embark on a path towards fruitful cooperation,” he said.
During his speech, Francis highlighted the crucial role of women in building the country.
“Women have the power to give life and make a country grow“she said, referring to the high rates of violence and rape they suffer in Papua New Guinea.
He also recalled the need to eradicate executions related to accusations of witchcraftwhich have claimed the lives of thousands of people, mostly women, in the last two decades.
The Pope arrived Friday evening from Indonesia, the second stop of his tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, in which he is promoting peace, social justice and inclusive development.
On Sunday, Francis will travel to the remote northwest of the island, to a small town in 10,000 inhabitants where a small community of Argentine missionaries.
Then, on Monday morning, he will leave this country heading to East Timorwhere he will be from September 9 to 11, the penultimate stop of this tour that will end in Singapore on September 13.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
