Pope Francis presides over a mass for the World Children Day, in St Peter's Square at the Vatican. Photo: AP / Gregorio Borgia
The people of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea say they need money to help prepare for the Pope's visit early next month.
Pope Francis is spending three days in PNG from 6 September, mostly in Port Moresby, but will make a brief day visit to Vanimo.
A Catholic church spokesman, quoted by the Post-Courier, said Vanimo locals are transforming the town, with banners and cutting the grass on the side of the road.
But Father Miguel de la Calle said while funding has been allocated by the provincial government they need more to carry out the preparations.
He said people in the district of Baro are building a footpath down which the Pope is expected to walk out of their own pockets.
The chairperson for the Papal visit, Bishop Rozario Menezes, said the Papal visit team is working closely with the organising team in Vanimo, with preparations on track.
Pope Francis will travel to Vanimo on 8 September.