Saint John Paul II's Address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Alice Springs 1986

Jesus spoke directly to the hearts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on 29 November 1986 in Australia’s heart – Alice Springs.

NATSICC has created a website that celebrates and explains the significance of the (then) Pope's visit and timeless speech.

Students can explore the site and be encouraged to complete one or more of the following activities (Courtesy of Archdiocese of Melbourne):

Ideas for Classroom Activities

1. Using the full text of the speech given by Pope John Paul II to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in 1986, explore the different themes presented in the text. How does the speech speak to our Australian culture today?

2. Write a blog expressing some of your thoughts and feelings.

3. Using only words and pictures design a poster that depicts the message of John Paul II to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Find a partner to explain the meaning of your picture.

 4. Search for some quotes of Pope John Paul II, particularly his messages to youth. Choose one or two quotes that you really like. In small groups present your quotes explaining what you think they mean.

 5. John Paul II travelled the world and met with many world leaders. Research some of the leaders and Heads of State that Pope John Paul II met. Choose one person/meeting that you think was interesting. Why was it interesting? Why was the meeting important?