Pope approves canonisation of Peter To Rot, who will be PNG's first saint

Papua New Guinea is about to welcome its first saint. Pope Francis has approved the canonization of local missionary Peter To Rot. This news is a milestone for the religious community in Papua New Guinea, marking an important moment in the development of Catholicism in the country.

Peter To Rot was born in 1912 in Rakunai village, East New Britain. During World War II, he led a Catholic mission during the Japanese occupation. He was arrested and imprisoned by the Japanese in 1945 for adhering to his Catholic faith, and later died from a lethal injection. His spirit of sacrifice and loyalty to his faith have earned him widespread respect.

The Vatican News Office released a statement saying that Pope Francis approved the canonization of Peter To Rot after a vote by cardinals and bishops. Previously, Pope Francis was hospitalized for pneumonia, and Papua New Guinean leaders believed the Pope wanted to prioritize this matter. This decision reflects the Pope's emphasis and care for the Catholic community in Papua New Guinea.

Argentine missionary Thomas Ravaioli, who has worked in Papua New Guinea for many years, collected the materials needed for Peter To Rot to be recognized as a saint. He originally expected to receive feedback in April or May, but due to the Pope's deteriorating health, he was unsure if it would happen. Father Ravaioli said they were surprised and unexpected when the Pope signed the decree to canonize Blessed Peter To Rot shortly after being discharged from the hospital. He recalled that during his visit to Papua New Guinea last September, the Pope personally expressed his hope to canonize Peter To Rot himself.

Father Ravaioli and Catholics throughout Papua New Guinea are celebrating this news. He said that this is the first saint in the history of Papua New Guinea, which will make people very happy and renew the faith of the people of the country. Archbishop Rochus Tatamai of Papua New Guinea said that Papua New Guinea has been waiting for this for 30 years. He emphasized that this is the first indigenous saint, a Melanesian, so people are excited and joyful. The nation and the entire region have been praying for this process.

Peter To Rot was born into the family of village chief Angelo To Puia and was one of six children. As a second-generation Catholic, he was trained by missionaries on the island to become a catechist. During the war, he was responsible for managing the mission when other church leaders were imprisoned by Japanese soldiers. Peter To Rot had strong views on marriage, opposing polygamy, which was a common traditional practice in pre-colonial villages. According to some records, his views got him into trouble when the Japanese legalized polygamy in order to build relationships with local Papua New Guineans. Peter To Rot was labeled a "confrontationalist" for his stance on marriage, eventually arrested, and given a lethal injection.

Father Giorgio Licini, a senior priest in Port Moresby, said that his canonization will be an important moment for Papua New Guinea, where Catholicism has been introduced for less than 150 years. He emphasized that Peter To Rot was a layman, a catechist, a married community leader with children. People can now enjoy this achievement and await the date of the canonization ceremony in Rome to be determined. This event will undoubtedly inspire more believers and promote the development of Catholicism in Papua New Guinea.