‘Moment of national pride’ as Peter ToRot becomes Papua New Guinea’s first saint

Thousands celebrate across the country and in Rome after Pope Leo canonised Peter ToRot in what the prime minister called a ‘historic moment of pride, faith and inspiration’

Papua New Guinea celebrated a historic moment of “national pride” as the country’s first saint was canonised, with joyful services in churches and communities across the Pacific nation.

Peter ToRot was killed in prison in 1945 for standing up for monogamous marriage at a time when polygamy was practised. He was one of seven people canonised at a Mass in St Peter’s Square held by Pope Leo on Sunday, in a ceremony put in motion by Pope Francis in one of his final acts.