February 1981, Pope John Paul II visited Guam

In February 1981, Pope John Paul II visited Guam as part of a trip that took him across Asia, including the first time a Pope visited Japan.

During his short stay in Guam, the Pope was greeted by thousands of island residents, including then Governor Paul Calvo and Bishop Felixberto Flores. During his visit he switched into the CHamoru language on several occasions, most notably to tell the people of Guam “Hu guaiya todu hamyo!” or “I love you all!”

A crowd of more than 15,000 people gathered to hear him in Hagåtña. Beneath the altar from where he spoke, a large 18 x 18 foot guafak mat specially made by the manåmko’ of Rota for the Pope’s arrival had been laid.

As part of his homily, he referenced notable figures from Guam’s history such as Magellan, San Vitores and even Maga’låhi Kepuha,

“With the celebration of the first Mass here in 1521 the seeds of the faith began to take root in the hearts of the Chamorro people. In 1668, their appreciation for the Gospel was shown by the generous gift of Chief Quipuha in donating the piece of land upon which the first Cathedral was built. And that Cathedral itself became a symbol of the dedicated perseverance of the people’s faith, as the Church was forced to be reconstructed several times, the last time being within our own era. Yes, the history of the faith in Guam bears a distinguished record in the faithful witness of the men and women who have lived the Gospel in word and deed for over three centuries, even to this liturgical assembly itself.”

Today a bronze statue can be found in front of the Guam Museum commemorating this historic visit to the island.