Pope approves cannoinisation of Peter ToRot who will be PNG's first saint

Pope Francis has approved the canonisation of Peter ToRot, meaning he will become Papua New Guinea’s first saint. ABC+1
Peter ToRot was born in 1912 in Rakunai village on the island of East New Britain. ABC
During the Japanese occupation in World War II, he led a Catholic mission when other church leaders were imprisoned. ABC
He was arrested by Japanese forces in 1945 for practising Catholicism; reportedly, he was given an injection that killed him. ABC
He was previously beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and has been viewed locally as a candidate for sainthood ever since. ABC
Church leaders in PNG describe him as the “first ever home-grown saint” for Melanesia, which carries strong cultural and spiritual significance. ABC
His life included being a lay person (not a priest): he was a catechist, a married man with children and a community leader. ABC
His teachings opposed polygamy (a common practice in his community at that time) and this stance brought him into conflict during the occupation. ABC
Although the canonisation has been approved, a date for the ceremony (likely in Rome) has not yet been set in the article. ABC

For Papua New Guinea: Having its first saint is a milestone for the Catholic Church there and the local Christian community.
For the region: It highlights the role of local leaders (not just imported missionaries) in the spread of Christianity in Melanesia.
For the faithful: The story of ToRot — his faith under persecution, leadership, local roots — serves as an inspiration and point of devotion.

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