The Bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands travelled to Rome in July 2005
to meet Pope Benedict XVI for our Ad Limina visit. We were able to concelebrate Mass with him in his private Chapel. He impressed me as a warm and caring Shepherd perhaps
belying his reputation. We each had a 10 minute private interview during which
I presented him with a locally carved crucifix and a small album of recent
photos taken on a trip round Choiseul, including one of parishioners looking
at a photo of his Inauguration taken from the Internet. He did not have to ask
where the Solomons are!
the native spirituality of such people, for example the Solomons.
During the visit to Rome we Bishops also had to visit several Vatican
Dicastaries (similar to any Government Ministry). There were some that
impressed more than others in their interest in the Church on the other side
of the world. For myself it was finding a special section for dialogue with
non-religious groups such as animists, a recognition that the Church values
the native spirituality of such people, for example the Solomons.
Here children look at the Pope's photo.
