Pope Francis has passed a decree clearing the way for Papua New Guinea to get its first saint.
The late Peter To Rot from East New Britain is to be canonised, making him the first Melanesian saint.
The announcement comes four months after Pope Francis visited PNG and held a service in the rural town of Vanimo.
Peter To Rot was executed in 1945 by Japanese soldiers during World War II.
“There’s a lot of excitement,” said Archbishop of Rabaul, Rochus Tatamai.
“A lot of people are praising and thanking God for our first Melanesian saint,” he said.
