by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formally requested support from the Vatican in its quest for political independence from Papua New Guinea.
ABG President Ishmael Toroama presented a letter advocating for Pope Francisโs assistance to Bishop Darius Kaluza of the Bougainville Catholic Diocese during the Popeโs recent visit to PNG.
In the letter, Toroama outlined Bougainvilleโs enduring struggle for self-determination, referencing a 2019 referendum where 97.7 percent of voters supported independence.
โBougainvilleโs history is characterized by a relentless fight for autonomy,โ Toroama noted, mentioning past appeals to the United Nations and previous independence declarations.
He indicated that consultations on the referendum results between the national and Bougainville governments are nearing completion, aiming to obtain approval from Papua New Guineaโs parliament.
The letter highlighted that more than 70 percent of Bougainvilleans are Catholics, underlining Pope Francisโs significant global influence.
โYour voice has great power,โ Toroama remarked, seeking the Popeโs support to raise international awareness of Bougainvilleโs independence aspirations.
He expressed sincere gratitude for the Popeโs leadership and compassion, emphasizing the importance of Bougainvilleโs path towards a โsustainable futureโ founded on reconciliation and the peopleโs will.
Bishop Kaluza will deliver the letter to Rome for presentation to the Vaticanโs head of state.
