BTN News: Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the start of his longest international journey as Pontiff and underscoring his commitment to interfaith dialogue and peace. With a packed 11-day itinerary that includes stops in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, the 87-year-old Pope aims to inspire Indonesia’s Catholic community and celebrate the nation’s rich tradition of religious tolerance. Greeted with a warm welcome at Jakarta’s airport, Pope Francis immediately engaged with local communities, meeting with refugees, immigrants, and the sick, setting the tone for a visit that emphasizes unity and compassion in a country known for having the world’s largest Muslim population.
A Historic Papal Visit to Indonesia Begins
On Tuesday, Pope Francis touched down in Jakarta, Indonesia, beginning a historic tour across Asia that is set to be the longest of his papacy. After a night flight from Rome, the Pope, who uses a wheelchair due to mobility issues, was welcomed at the airport by a festive ceremony. Under Jakarta’s humid and misty skies, two local children dressed in traditional attire presented him with a colorful bouquet of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers—symbolic gifts reflecting Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
Pope Francis Meets with Refugees and Migrants
Despite the grueling 11-hour journey, Pope Francis wasted no time in reaching out to the vulnerable. Later that day, he met with a group of refugees, migrants, and those suffering from illnesses at the Vatican’s Jakarta residence. According to the Vatican, these encounters underscored the Pope’s message of compassion and solidarity with marginalized communities, themes that have defined his papacy.
Local Enthusiasm and Emotional Reactions
The enthusiasm surrounding the Pope’s visit was palpable. Outside the Vatican’s residence in Jakarta, crowds of excited supporters gathered to catch a glimpse of the first Pope to visit Indonesia since Saint John Paul II in 1989. “When I saw him in the car, I felt so moved; it gave me goosebumps,” said Fanfan, a 49-year-old housewife from West Jakarta. “I hope he appears before me again to greet me.”
Wednesday: Engaging with Indonesian Leaders and Clergy
Wednesday marks the first full day of the Pope’s activities, featuring crucial meetings with Indonesia’s political leaders and the country’s Catholic clergy. The discussions will focus on promoting peace, religious tolerance, and the continued growth of the Catholic Church in Asia, reflecting the Pope’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
President Joko Widodo welcomed the Pontiff, stating in a broadcast that “Indonesia and the Vatican share the same commitment to fostering peace, brotherhood, and ensuring the welfare of humanity.” This alignment of values has set a positive tone for the ongoing dialogue between the two leaders.
A Momentous Interfaith Gathering at Istiqlal Mosque
The highlight of Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia will occur on Thursday when he participates in an interfaith meeting at Jakarta’s iconic Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. The event will bring together representatives from all six officially recognized religions in Indonesia: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Protestantism.
The Istiqlal Mosque, located across from the main Catholic Cathedral, Our Lady of the Assumption, symbolizes Indonesia’s unique spirit of interreligious harmony. The proximity of the two places of worship is such that the Muslim call to prayer can be heard during Catholic Mass—a powerful testament to Indonesia’s cultural coexistence.
Continuing the Tour: A Journey Across Asia
After Indonesia, Pope Francis will continue his journey across Asia, with scheduled visits to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. Each stop is expected to carry a unique message of peace, unity, and interfaith cooperation, reflecting the Pope’s broader mission to build bridges among different faiths and cultures.
A Call for Global Unity and Peace
Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia is a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering global unity and promoting peace among diverse religious communities. As he travels across Asia, his words and actions will likely inspire millions, highlighting the importance of empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect in a world often marked by division.
Conclusion: The Pope’s visit to Indonesia, his first since 1989, underscores his ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogue and his efforts to support the Catholic Church’s growth in Asia. As the world watches, this journey may serve as a vital step towards building greater understanding and harmony among different religions.
