p. Giorgio Licini *

It was supposed to be a land of promises for those who had always lived from subsistence farming. Thanks to the employment brought by the mine, they had access to modern education and healthcare. But the end of the licence and a vicious cycle of tribal struggles have sown death and desolation. The government of Papua New Guinea has recently negotiated the mine’s reopening. But with many unknowns about the future.

In Oceania too, dependence on creditors has grown, a problem at the centre of Pope Francis' appeal for the Jubilee 2025. With clear political will, the serious situations in other countries could still be avoided, but there is still little awareness. On 24 May, a global 24-hour “Relay for Peace” will start from Samoa to raise awareness.