The Apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Indonesia has ended. During his four-day stay in Jakarta, Pope Francis attended several important state and ecclesiastical events. The public eagerly awaited his arrival in Indonesia. After 35 years of anticipation, the wait was over when, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Pope Francis set foot in Indonesia for the first time.
From the moment he arrived in Indonesia, the Pope participated in various state activities, including a courtesy visit to the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Indonesia and other meetings to promote peace and tolerance in society.
Read also: The Long Wait Is Over: Holy Father, Welcome to Indonesia
Faith, Fraternity, and Compassion
During his Apostolic visit, Pope Francis embraced three themes: Faith, Fraternity, and Compassion.
The first theme, Faith, reflects his role as the supreme leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis came to Indonesia with a mission of pastoral care and apostolic outreach to the entire Catholic community in the country.
The second theme, Fraternity, highlights Indonesia’s renowned diversity and high level of tolerance. Pope Francis commended Indonesia’s commitment to these values, seeing the country as a model for the world in promoting the spirit of fraternity, peace, tolerance, and religious harmony.
The third theme, Compassion, conveyed a message of peace, with the hope that the world would become better and more progressive.
Pope Francis urged the public to show compassion toward the marginalized, the weak, and the poor, particularly those affected by conflicts and wars.
Read also: Cherish the Moment: Indonesia Marks Pope Francis' Visit with New Special Stamps
Interreligious Meeting and Holy Mass
A day before departing from Indonesia, Pope Francis attended an Interreligious Meeting at Istiqlal Mosque, where he was welcomed by the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, along with other religious leaders and public figures.
During the visit, the Pope signed a peace charter and inaugurated the Tunnel of Tolerance, which connects Istiqlal Mosque with Jakarta Cathedral.
Later in the afternoon, Pope Francis celebrated a Holy Mass with 90,000 Catholics from across Indonesia. After the Mass, the Pope said, "May the Lord bless you and help you grow and persevere in peace and brotherly love!"
Read also: Pope Francis’s Powerful Message on Tolerance and Harmony During His Landmark Visit to Indonesia
Pope Francis also expressed his deep gratitude to the Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, the President of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), Antonius Bunyamin OSC, and other bishops. In addition, he thanked all the liturgical staff who contributed to the smooth conduct of the Mass.
Pope Francis extended his heartfelt thanks to President Joko Widodo, local authorities, and the security forces for ensuring the success of the entire event. He conveyed his high regard for the people of Indonesia.
Read also: Pope Francis Calls for Peace at Interreligious Meeting in the Istiqlal Mosque
Pope Francis Ends Indonesia Visit
On his final day in Indonesia, Pope Francis was bid farewell at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Cengkareng, Banten, by the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Archbishop of Jakarta Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, President of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference Antonius Bunyamin OSC.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Piero Pippo, Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature Michael Andrew Pawlowicz, Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See Trias Kuncahyono, Head of the Papal Visit Organizing Committee Ignasius Jonan, and several other state officials.
Pope Francis concluded his visit to Indonesia and departed for Papua New Guinea to continue his Apostolic journey.
He left for Port Moresby aboard a Garuda Indonesia A330-900 aircraft to continue his visit to Papua New Guinea.
Viva Il Papa Francesco!
