Francis Meli JCL was born on July 21, 1962, in Poi Island, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea to his parents Anthon Wale and Anna Aisiga.

[1] His early education started in 1972 on Poi Island at St. Leo Primary School Sasavoru.

In 1978, Francis Meli attended Kimbe Provincial High School and in 1981 he went on to the St. Peter Channel College, East New Britain.

Education has brought Francis Meli to various parts of the world including Saint Paul University in Canada.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of bishop Cesare Bonivento of the Diocese of Vanimo for having reached the age limit.