(CNN) – Pope Francis emphasized the importance of the Catholic Church serving marginalized communities as he concluded his first full day in Papua New Guinea on Saturday, part of a long tour of Asia.
Addressing church leaders in the capital, Port Moresby, he told them to focus on the “peripheries of this country” and those in the most deprived urban areas.
He insisted that the church was committed to helping those who are hurt “morally and physically” due to “prejudices and superstitions.” According to human rights group Human Rights Watch, Papua New Guinea is one of the most dangerous places in the world for women and girls, due to high rates of sexual violence.
Francis gave his speech in the church of the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians, where the Catholic community carries out various charitable and educational works.
She had previously visited the Cáritas Technical Secondary School, a school for disadvantaged girls, and the “street pastoral” and “Callan” services, which work with the poorest and people with disabilities.
Her decision to visit the school, which offers educational opportunities to girls, was significant given the discrimination and violence faced by women in Papua New Guinea. In the sanctuary, Francis also heard comments from two women who participate in the church’s ministry.
The pope also spoke extemporaneously during his speech, twice insisting that Papua New Guinea’s bishops and priests must follow “God’s style,” which is “closeness, tenderness and compassion.”
At the end, he greeted the crowd outside the church and, speaking in English, thanked them for their patience before offering them a blessing. She also joked with them, saying, “Pray for me, and not against me.”
Francisco seemed in good spirits and wherever he went he was traditionally greeted by groups from all over Papua New Guinea wearing colorful tribal costumes, singing and dancing.
Francis, 87, is currently on the longest trip of his pontificate: a marathon 12-day visit to four countries in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, which also includes East Timor and Singapore.
