Pope Francis arrives in Papua New Guinea, first papal visit in nearly 30 years

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Pope Francis landed in Papua New Guinea on Friday, marking his farthest trip away from the Vatican during his 11 years as pontiff as he continues his Asian and South Pacific tour.

The pope, 87, arrived at the capital city of Port Moresby and is expected to meet with government and church officials and engage with children. He is expected to talk about such topics as global warming, violence against women, inequality and natural disasters.

The last papal visit to Papua New Guinea came nearly 30 years ago when St. John Paul II arrived at the island nation to beatify Peter To Rot, a Papuan lay catechist who was killed during World War II for teaching the Catholic faith.

Pope Francis's schedule also includes a visit to the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, where he is expected to be greeted by the Bishop of New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Local priests, deacons, seminarians and catechists, along with consecrated men and women are expected there as well.

One of the pontiff's largest gatherings will be a mass held at Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday. He will also take a plane trip to Vanimoin northwestern Papua New Guinea to visit missionaries and Catholics there before returning to the capital.

The trip is part of Pope Francis's 11-day tour to Asia and the South Pacific despite past health challenges.