The World - News from Nov. 21, 1986
Fijians welcomed Pope John Paul II to their remote Pacific island with elaborate ceremony. The Roman Catholic pontiff appeared tired but happy after an all-night flight from Singapore, where he was sharply critical of recent state efforts to curb the birthrate. Fijians in tribal costumes presented him with a roasted pig, whales’ teeth and kava, their traditional drink, during the lengthy welcoming ritual. The Pope planned to stay overnight, then go on Saturday to New Zealand and the next leg of his two-week, 30,000-mile mission.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
