Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the beginning of his longest trip as pontiff, the Associated Press reports.
His visit aims to support the Catholic community and highlight the tradition of interfaith harmony in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.
When the 87-year-old Pope arrived in Jakarta after an overnight flight from Rome, he was greeted with a ceremony on the runway, where he received a bouquet of local produce from children dressed in traditional attire. Despite the long journey ahead, which will take him to Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, Francis planned to rest for the day, followed by a brief meeting with refugees, migrants, and the sick at the Vatican’s Jakarta residence.
On Wednesday, Pope Francis will meet with Indonesian political leaders and local clergy to discuss the Catholic Church’s growing influence in Asia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo greeted the Pope, emphasizing their shared commitment to peace, brotherhood, and the well-being of humanity.
An interfaith meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest, will be a highlight of the Pope’s visit to Indonesia. The mosque, which stands across from the city’s main Catholic cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption, represents the country’s dedication to religious freedom and tolerance. Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar will visit the “Tunnel of Friendship” that connects the two religious sites and sign a joint declaration promoting interfaith harmony.
While Indonesia is frequently praised for its religious tolerance, incidents of intolerance have occasionally harmed its reputation. The 2021 bombing of a Catholic cathedral in Sulawesi is one recent example. Despite these challenges, many Indonesians, including local Catholics, are optimistic that the Pope’s visit will reinforce tolerance and unity.
Catholics make up only 3% of the Indonesian population, but with over 275 million people, the country has one of the largest Christian communities in Asia. The Pope’s events, including a Mass at Jakarta’s main stadium, are expected to draw large crowds, with an estimated 60,000 people in attendance.
Environmental issues, conflict resolution, and ethical development are expected to be central themes in Pope Francis’ speeches throughout the trip. His dedication to environmental protection is well known, and Jakarta’s severe pollution may prompt him to address the issue during his visit.
This is Pope Francis’ first visit to Indonesia, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Pope Paul VI and St. John Paul II. His visit demonstrates the Vatican’s recognition of Indonesia’s role in fostering Christian-Muslim dialogue and promoting the spread of the Catholic faith in the region.
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Archbishop of Jakarta, stated that the Pope’s visit is intended to strengthen Indonesia’s interfaith tradition and encourage the continued development of religious brotherhood.
