Cardinal Ribat represents PNG and Solomon Islands at Vatican conclave to elect new Pope

Cardinal Ribat and Cardinal Soane Patita Mafi from Tonga in the Vatican, the only two Cardinals representing the Pacific (Image: Diocese of Wewak)

Papua New Guinea's Cardinal Sir John Ribat was among the first to arrive at the Vatican ahead of the Conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Cardinal Ribat will be among the 132 cardinals taking part in the election of the 267th pope.

The conclave is set to begin today at 10am Vatican time [6pm local time).

Cardinals Ribat and Soane Patita Paini Mafi of Tonga are the only two cardinals representing the Pacific Island nations.

Just months before his passing, Pope Francis made history with his Apostolic Visit to Papua New Guinea in September 2024, an event that touched countless lives across the nation.

From the bustling streets of Port Moresby to the serene landscapes of Vanimo, his presence radiated warmth, hope, and unity.

Cardinal Ribat is the first Cardinal from Papua New Guinea, appointed by Pope Francis in 2016.

Following Pope Francis's death last month, Cardinal Ribat is hopeful that the new pope will continue the work Pope Francis began.

"He was among us for three days, from the 6th to the 9th. And we all saw it. Our leaders were there and we were all together, political leaders and leaders of churches and everyone.

"We were there together. And I think our message to Rome at this time is that we are in, of course, great sadness to be able to, our condolences to hear of his death. But also, we are hopeful that with the new pope coming, it will be something that will bring us confidence and hope that we will have someone who will be joining us," Cardinal Ribat said.

The papal conclave will be held in the Sistine Chapel, located within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City (Image: Supplied)

Among Catholics worldwide who are keenly anticipating the upcoming Vatican conclave, Papua New Guinea is also hopeful that the successor to Pope Francis will continue his legacy.

Sr Veronica Paison of the Daughters of Wisdom is among those who hope the next pope will continue to advocate for the rights of women.

As the conclave is set to get underway, prayers and hopes are being offered, especially for the cardinals, that they will discern who will be the Pope, to continue some of the good works that Pope Francis has left.

Archbishop of Rabaul Diocese Rochus Tatamai says there are many social issues that Pope Francis began to address, including caring for families.

He hopes that the upcoming Pope will carry this forward.