Bishop of Vanimo

Bishop of Vanimo ordained

Bishop Francis Meli has chosen Justitia et Veritas – Justice and Truth as his Episcopal motto. 

His Excellency, Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, was the Principal Ordaining Bishop. 

The Assisting Bishops were Archbishop Francisco Panfilo, SDB and Bishop Cesare Bonivento, PIME.  Cardinal John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, 15 bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, priests, religious and faithful were part of the celebrations. 

Pope appoints new Vanimo Bishop

This follows the resignation of Cesare Bonivento, P.I.M.E, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Vanimo, for having reached the age limit.

Father Francis, born in July 21, 1962, is from Poi Island, West New Britain Province.