Pope Francis told Papua New Guinea’s leaders

Pope Francis told Papua New Guinea’s leaders Saturday that vast natural resources must benefit the entire community.

Many people in Papua New Guinea fear that the country’s resources are being squandered or stolen. The country has vast reserves of gold, copper, nickel, natural gas and timber that have drawn a string of multinational companies to invest.

But about one in four people live below the poverty line, and scarcely more than 10 percent of homes have electricity.

The pontiff told a gathering of politicians, diplomats and business leaders on the first full day of a visit to the South Pacific nation that these goods are destined by God for the entire community.

The 87-year-old pope is on a marathon 12-day visit to the Asia-Pacific, stressing his determination to promote interfaith dialogue and visit nations seen as being on the periphery of world affairs.