The Rationalist Society of Australia is seeking answers from the Albanese government over how much it will cost Australian taxpayers to ferry Pope Francis around Papua New Guinea (PNG).

According to a PNG media report, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will fly Pope Francis between Port Moresby and Vanimo in PNG on 8 September so that the Pope can attend religious services.

Yesterday, the RSA’s Executive Director Si Gladman wrote to Richard Marles, the Minister for Defence, to ask how much it will cost taxpayers and how many ADF personnel will be required to take part in the activity.

Pope Francis will visit the remote town of Vanimo, in far northwest Sepik province, when he tours Papua New Guinea from September 6-9. It is part of a regional-wide 12-day tour also visiting Indonesia, Timor Leste and Singapore.

For the one-day trip to Vanimo, the Pope is expected to celebrate Mass, meet local missionaries, witness a performance by school children, and interact with young girls who live in a safe house.

PNG media reported that the ADF responded with a “resounding yes” when asked to transport the Pope to Vanimo.

Mr Gladman says Australian taxpayers have a right to know what the bill will be to help the Pope take part in religious activities.

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Si Gladman is Executive Director of the Rationalist Society of Australia. He also hosts ‘The Secular Agenda’ podcast.

Photo by Long Thiên (Flickr CC)