Pope Francis, in his concluding acts, made a significant move to recognize Papua New Guinea’s first saint, Blessed Peter To Rot, a lay preacher who opposed polygamy and died during Japan’s occupation in World War II. Tragically, the late pontiff had expressed his desire to oversee the canonization himself, a wish now to be fulfilled by his successor.
Argentine missionary Tomas Ravaioli, who met with Pope Francis during his visit to Papua New Guinea last September, shared that the pope felt To Rot embodied the kind of saint needed in contemporary times—a “normal man” rather than an ecclesiastical figure.
Peter To Rot was declared eligible for sainthood on March 31 when the Vatican formalized decrees regarding the “causes of saints.” His canonization ceremony will be scheduled at a later date, as decided by the new pope. Ravaioli, who has long advocated for To Rot’s canonization, expressed profound disappointment at Francis’s passing, highlighting the expected additional grace that the pope would have brought to the event.
To Rot, who was 33 years old when he died in 1945, dedicated his life to guiding Catholics in the region. He opposed polygamy and offered spiritual support as various religious leaders were detained. His martyrdom occurred after he was poisoned during his imprisonment.
In 1995, To Rot was beatified by Pope John Paul II, marking an important step toward canonization. His elevation to sainthood is expected to ignite a renewal of faith in Papua New Guinea, a country facing significant challenges, including poverty, domestic violence, and tribal conflict.
The Catholic Church plays a vital role in the nation, being pivotal for healthcare and education where governmental support is lacking. Approximately 98 percent of Papua New Guinea’s populace identifies as Christian, with Catholics comprising about 25 percent.
Archbishop Rochus Tatamai, a relative of To Rot, said it is crucial for Papua New Guinea to gain its own saint, as it serves to affirm that the people are worthy of sainthood. He emphasized the hard work required to reach such status, stating, “You do not inherit holiness.”
As Papua New Guinea anticipates the joyful proclamation of its first saint, the legacy of Pope Francis continues to inspire hope for the future of faith amidst adversity, uniting the Catholic community in celebration of their spiritual heritage and resilience.
This moment of canonization not only marks a historical milestone for Papua New Guinea but also offers a narrative of hope and unity for Christians across the region, encouraging a recommitment to values that foster community strength and compassion.
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