Pope Francis (87) will embark on his Apostolic journey from September 2 to 13, 2024, visiting the Asia and Oceania regions. During this journey, Pope Francis will visit four countries: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. As the supreme leader of the worldwide Catholic Church and the Head of State of the Vatican, Pope Francis will include Indonesia in his Apostolic journey this time.
This journey marks Pope Francis's longest Apostolic visit to the Asia-Pacific region. For Indonesia, the Holy Father's visit from September 3 to 6 will be the third Papal visit in the country's history. The first Papal visit was by Pope Saint Paul VI on December 3-4, 1970. Nearly 19 years later, Pope Saint John Paul II visited from October 9-14, 1989.
The upcoming September 3-6, 2024, will be the third Papal visit to Indonesia, where Pope Francis will greet and connect with the Catholic faithful from across the country, who have been eagerly awaiting a Papal visit for 35 years.
Read also: Apostolic Journey Schedule: Pope Francis in Southeast Asia and Oceania
Preparations for the Holy Father's Visit
Despite his advanced age and health limitations, Pope Francis remains determined and enthusiastic about coming to Indonesia to meet his followers. He also shows his paternal love by strengthening and affirming the faith of the Catholic community in Indonesia.
According to a statement from the Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, posted on the official website of the KWI, the Indonesian Bishops' Conference, along with the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Indonesia (the Embassy of the Holy See to Indonesia), has been preparing for this visit since April and has worked diligently to ensure everything is ready.
Read also: Official Logo and Motto for Pope Francis' Southeast Asia and Oceania Trip
In welcoming the Pope to Indonesia, the Catholic Church in Indonesia encourages its members to embrace the values taught by the Holy Father, particularly Faith, Brotherhood, and Compassion. These values are also the theme of Pope Francis's visit to Indonesia.
Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo also conveyed an important message about the Pope's upcoming visit, emphasizing that while the Pope's presence in Indonesia is significant, studying and following his teachings and example is equally important.
Read also: Minister of Religion: Pope Francis Set to Visit Indonesia on September 3, After Waiting 2 Years
Ensuring the Pope's Safety
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Papal Visit to Indonesia, Ignasius Jonan, shared some technical details about the preparations, noting that the Committee and the Government have been preparing every venue that the Pope will visit and coordinating across sectors to ensure the journey proceeds smoothly and as planned.
Additionally, the Committee has made health arrangements, including setting up a medical team to support the Pope's needs, alongside his health team and two nurses accompanying him throughout his Apostolic journey in Asia-Pacific.
Beyond health considerations, the Committee and the Government have also taken preventive measures to ensure the Pope's safety during his stay in Indonesia.
Read also: Awaiting the Pontiff: A Historic Visit to Southeast Asia and Oceania
Holy Mass in Jakarta
During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis will engage in various meetings, particularly with the Indonesian Government, Bishops, and interfaith leaders.
He will also visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and lead a grand Mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, which is expected to be attended by approximately 90,000 Catholics from across Indonesia.
On September 6, the Holy Father will depart for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
