Vatican City, Sept. 8: Pope Francis has made a heartfelt appeal to the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea to offer unwavering support and protection to women who have suffered abuse and marginalisation.

This urgent call comes as the country contends with staggering levels of violence against women, which exceed the global average by more than double, according to the Associated Press.

During his visit, the Pope learned about the Chuch’s crucial role in sheltering women falsely accused of witchcraft and sorcery, who often face brutal attacks and ostracism from their own families.

Pope Francis stressed the need for the Church to embrace those on the periphery, stating, "I think too of the marginalised and wounded, both morally and physically, by prejudice and superstition, sometimes to the point of having to risk their lives," as reported by AP.

He urged the Church to show "closeness, compassion, and tenderness" towards these individuals. His comments followed a nun's account of the Church's efforts to protect women accused of sorcery, offering them refuge from violence and assisting in their reintegration into their communities.

Papua New Guinea faces alarmingly high rates of gender-based violence, with 60% of women experiencing physical or sexual abuse from intimate partners, which is double the global average. Women are also frequently accused of sorcery, which further exacerbates their vulnerability.

The country ranks 151st out of 166 in the UN's 2022 Gender Inequality Index. In response, Pope Francis emphasized women's rights during his visit, urging greater protection and respect.

He praised women as the backbone of the country, saying, "Women carry the country forward, give life, build, and grow a nation." He called for recognition of their contributions, adding, "Let's not forget women on the front lines of human and spiritual development", as reported by AP.

While the Catholic Church still grapples with women's inequality, Pope Francis has consistently condemned gender-based violence, appointed women to senior Vatican positions, and advocated for greater decision-making roles for women, despite maintaining the ban on women's ordination.

The Pope’s visit to Papua New Guinea is part of a four-nation tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania. During the day, he observed traditional dance performances and called for an end to the tribal violence that has long plagued the country. He stressed the importance of equitable and sustainable resource extraction, noting Papua New Guinea's cultural diversity, with more than 800 languages spoken, as a “challenge” for creating harmony.

"Tribal violence causes many victims, prevents people from living in peace, and hinders development," he said, appealing for greater civic responsibility and cooperation for the common good.

Pope Francis continued to emphasize women's rights, meeting with local clergy and hearing stories of women accused of sorcery. He was moved by the tale of a woman who survived a brutal attack and was reintegrated into her community with the Church's help. A Catholic laywoman, Grace Wrakia, urged greater dialogue to amplify women's voices, particularly in rural areas.

The Pope also stressed the need for sustainable development, prioritizing local benefits from natural resources, and called for a resolution to the Bougainville independence issue. Despite jet lag, the 87-year-old Pope showed energy and warmth, engaging with local crowds throughout his visit.-Agencies