Papua New Guinea celebrates its first saint, Peter To Rot, canonized by Pope Leo XIV, a historic moment of faith and pride for the Christian-majority nation.
Newsroom (20/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a moment of profound national pride, the government and Catholic Church of Papua New Guinea joined the nation’s people in celebrating the canonization of Peter To Rot, the country’s first saint, on World Mission Sunday, Oct. 19. Pope Leo XIV officiated the ceremony at the Vatican, where To Rot was canonized alongside six others, marking a historic milestone for the Christian-majority Pacific Island nation.
Prime Minister James Marape hailed the event as a “moment of pride, faith, and inspiration” for Papua New Guinea. Speaking to reporters, he described the recognition as “a powerful affirmation of our Christian identity and missionary spirit that has guided our country for generations.”
Cardinal John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, echoed the sentiment, calling the canonization “a milestone for PNG, the Pacific, and the world.” In an interview with The National, he emphasized that the event “reveals the maturity of our Christian faith and affirms the universality of the Catholic Church.”
Peter To Rot, born in 1912 in Rakunai, was a lay catechist whose steadfast faith led to his martyrdom during World War II. Arrested in 1945 under Japanese occupation for continuing to teach catechism, organize prayer, and defend the sanctity of marriage despite a ban on religious activities, To Rot was killed by lethal injection while imprisoned. His unwavering commitment to faith and family has made him a enduring symbol of resilience.
Archbishop Rochus Tatamai of Rabaul, a relative of To Rot, underscored the national significance of his legacy. “Peter To Rot’s story is not just my family’s story; it belongs to the whole of Papua New Guinea,” he told Vatican News. “He stood firm in faith at a time when our people were under immense pressure. His witness, simple but profound, continues to inspire us.”
The canonization has sparked widespread excitement across Papua New Guinea, with communities preparing both spiritually and publicly for the occasion. Father Tomas Ravaioli, vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization, noted a surge in devotion prior to the event. “Everybody is praying through his intercession, and at the end of the Mass, many people come for confession. His canonization has brought renewal in the Church of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
To Rot’s legacy remains vibrant in Rakunai and beyond. Pilgrims flock to his grave, families draw inspiration from his example, and catechists view him as a model for their vocation, according to Archbishop Tatamai. The martyred catechist was declared blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1995, a step toward his eventual sainthood.
During a visit to Papua New Guinea in September 2024, Pope Francis praised To Rot, stating, “This is the saint the Church needs in these times.” Archbishop Tatamai reflected on the broader impact of the canonization, describing it as “a blessing for the whole country, reminding us that society itself depends on the strength of families.” He added, “It’s a gift to our country as a national revolutionary that calls us to holiness that begins in the family and extends to the whole society.”
The canonization of Peter To Rot stands as a testament to Papua New Guinea’s deep Christian roots and a call to renew faith and family values across the nation.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
Related Images:
