John Ribat
Stored: John Ribat
| His Eminence John Ribat | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Port Moresby | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Bereina |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Alotau-Sideia |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 4 December 1982 by Bishop Gérard-Joseph Deschamps |
| Consecration: | 11 February 2001 by Archbishop Brian James Barnes |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 19 November 2016 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | John Ribat 9 February 1957 Volavolo, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Papua New Guinean |
| Education: | Holy Spirit Seminary, Bomana |
| Motto: | "Peace Through Jesus Christ" |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Oceania |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
John Ribat, MSC (born 9 February 1957), is a Papua New Guinean Catholic prelate and cardinal who has served as Archbishop of Port Moresby since 2008. The first cardinal from Papua New Guinea, elevated by Pope Francis in 2016, Ribat is a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and a prominent advocate for climate change action, social justice, and interreligious dialogue in the Pacific. His leadership has focused on addressing the challenges of a developing nation, including poverty, education, and environmental threats to coastal communities, earning him international recognition, such as a knighthood (KBE) in 2016. At 68, Ribat is a key participant in the 2025 papal conclave, set to begin May 7, where he has emphasized the need for a pope who is “open” and capable of leading with humility and fidelity.[1][2][3][4][5]
Ordained a priest in 1982, Ribat served in rural parishes before becoming Bishop of Bereina (2001–2007) and then Archbishop of Port Moresby. His tenure has seen efforts to strengthen Catholic education and healthcare in Papua New Guinea, alongside advocacy for peace amid tribal conflicts and environmental sustainability. As one of four cardinal-electors from Oceania in the 2025 conclave, Ribat represents the Church’s growing diversity, with observers noting his voice could influence discussions on global issues like climate change and the Church’s mission in the Global South. Despite his low profile, his alignment with Francis’ pastoral priorities positions him as a respected figure in the conclave, though his nationality and regional focus make his election unlikely.[1][6][5]
Biography
Birth and early life
John Ribat was born on February 9, 1957, in Volavolo, a remote village in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, to a Catholic family. Growing up in a traditional Melanesian community, he was immersed in the cultural and spiritual life of his Kokopo clan. His early faith was shaped by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), who ran local missions, inspiring his vocation. Ribat’s childhood was marked by the challenges of rural life, including limited access to education and infrastructure, which later informed his advocacy for development.[1][2][6]
Educated at St. Peter Chanel Primary School in Kokopo, Ribat showed academic promise and a commitment to service. His decision to join the MSC congregation was influenced by the order’s emphasis on missionary work and social outreach. After completing secondary education, he entered the seminary, beginning a path that would make him a historic figure in Papua New Guinea’s Catholic Church.[1][3]
Education
Ribat began his priestly formation at Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana, near Port Moresby, where he studied philosophy and theology from 1975 to 1982. His training focused on preparing missionaries for Papua New Guinea’s diverse and often remote communities. The MSC-run seminary emphasized pastoral care, cultural sensitivity, and social justice, aligning with Ribat’s later priorities.[1][6]
His education was practical as well as academic, involving fieldwork in rural parishes. Ribat’s formation included learning Tok Pisin and other local languages, essential for ministry in Papua New Guinea’s multilingual society. While he did not pursue advanced degrees abroad, his seminary training and MSC spirituality equipped him for leadership in a developing nation.[2][7]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on December 4, 1982, by Bishop Gérard-Joseph Deschamps for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Ribat served in rural parishes across Papua New Guinea, including in the East New Britain and Central Provinces. His early ministry focused on catechesis, youth programs, and community development, addressing the needs of isolated communities. He also held roles as a seminary formator and MSC provincial superior, demonstrating administrative skill.[1][2]
Ribat’s priesthood was shaped by Papua New Guinea’s social challenges, including poverty, tribal conflicts, and environmental degradation. His work with the MSC emphasized peacebuilding and education, earning him respect as a compassionate leader. His appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Bereina in 2000 marked his transition to episcopal leadership.[6][7]
Bishop
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bereina and Titular Bishop of Macriana Minor on October 30, 2000, by Pope John Paul II, Ribat was consecrated on February 11, 2001, by Archbishop Brian James Barnes. He became Bishop of Bereina in 2002, serving until 2007, when he was appointed Archbishop of Port Moresby. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis on November 19, 2016, he received the titular church of San Giovanni Battista de’ Rossi, becoming Papua New Guinea’s first cardinal.[1][7]
As Archbishop, Ribat has prioritized Catholic education, healthcare, and climate advocacy, notably addressing coastal erosion and rising sea levels. His interreligious dialogue efforts, particularly with Muslim and Protestant communities, reflect his commitment to peace. In 2025, Ribat is a key participant in the May 7 conclave, advocating for a pope who is open and humble, as noted during general congregations.[3][4][5]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Bereina | Auxiliary Bishop | 30 October 2000 | 16 April 2002 | Titular Bishop of Macriana Minor |
| Diocese of Bereina | Bishop | 16 April 2002 | 30 March 2007 | Strengthened education and healthcare |
| Archdiocese of Port Moresby | Archbishop | 30 March 2007 | Present | Elevated to cardinal in 2016, first from Papua New Guinea |
Significant events
- Professed vows as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart in 1979.[2]
- Ordained priest by Bishop Gérard-Joseph Deschamps in 1982.[1]
- Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bereina in 2000.[1]
- Became Bishop of Bereina in 2002.[7]
- Named Archbishop of Port Moresby in 2007.[1]
- Created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016, first from Papua New Guinea.[1]
- Knighted (KBE) for services to the Church and community in 2016.[6]
- Advocated for climate change action at international forums, 2017–2025.[1]
- Presided over memorial Mass for Pope Francis in Port Moresby, April 2025.[4]
- Participated in 2025 papal conclave preparations, emphasizing an “open” pope.[3][4]
Books
Written about the bishop
- No specific biographies dedicated to Cardinal Ribat were identified in the provided sources. General references include:
- Books on Papua New Guinea Church History (potential sources for contextual information).
Written by the bishop
- No books authored by Cardinal Ribat were identified in the provided sources. He has issued pastoral letters and statements through the Archdiocese of Port Moresby, but no published books are documented.
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "John Ribat". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ribat.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Cardinal John Ribat". Vatican Press. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinals_bio_ribat_j.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Sir John Cardinal Ribat Departs for Conclave in Rome". Post-Courier. 2025-04-24. https://www.postcourier.com.pg/sir-john-cardinal-ribat-departs-for-conclave-in-rome/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Posts found on X, April 2025
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Cardinals hold sixth general congregation". Catholic News Agency. 2025-04-29. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260241/cardinals-hold-sixth-general-congregation-confirm-2-electors-will-not-be-at-conclave.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Cardinal John Ribat". UCA News. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/bishops/cardinal-john-ribat/228.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "John Ribat". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bribat.html.