The long-awaited visit of the Pope to Indonesia has finally come to fruition. Pope Francis (87) embarked on his Apostolic journey to Indonesia from September 3-6, 2024. His Holiness, Pope Francis, is the third leader of the global Catholic Church to visit Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.
Today, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, His Holiness Pope Francis set foot in Indonesia for the first time. The Pope and his entourage landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, at 11:16 AM Western Indonesian Time, aboard ITA Airways A330-941, flight number AZ4000.
Read also: Apostolic Journey Schedule: Pope Francis in Southeast Asia and Oceania
The arrival of His Holiness was greeted by several key Indonesian figures, including the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council, Gandi Sulistiyanto, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and Indonesia's Ambassador to the Holy See, Trias Kuncahyono.
Also present were Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia Archbishop Piero Pioppo, Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, Apostolic Nunciature Secretary Archbishop Michael Andrew Pawlowicz, and the General Coordinator for the Pope's Reception, Ignatius Jonan.
Read also: Cherish the Moment: Indonesia Marks Pope Francis' Visit with New Special Stamps
After the official welcoming ceremony by state officials, His Holiness Pope Francis proceeded to the Apostolic Nunciature (the Embassy of the Holy See in Indonesia) in Jakarta to rest after the long flight. During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis declined grand receptions and chose to stay at the Apostolic Nunciature rather than a luxury hotel.
Furthermore, Pope Francis also refused to use luxury vehicles during his stay in Indonesia. His Holiness opted for a standard vehicle, the Innova Zenix, instead of using state-owned luxury cars. This is consistent with his commitment to simplicity, as seen in Vatican City, where he prefers public transportation and small cars like the Fiat 500.
Similarly, the Pope travels on commercial flights for his Apostolic Journeys, avoiding using presidential aircraft.
Read also: Official Logo and Motto for Pope Francis' Southeast Asia and Oceania Trip
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, His Holiness Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, and other government officials for a Welcome Ceremony and a Courtesy Visit.
