Pope Francis arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday, marking the start of a significant Asia-Pacific tour, the longest of his papacy. The visit includes stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, spanning 12 days and testing the 87-year-old pontiff’s health.
Upon arrival, Pope Francis was welcomed with a traditional honor guard and bouquet from children. He disembarked in a wheelchair and opted for a modest vehicle over the luxury cars usually used for world leaders. The pope’s visit comes after a 13-hour flight, which he described as the longest of his journeys.
During his stay in Jakarta, Pope Francis will meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo and engage in various inter-religious activities. Despite Indonesia’s Muslim majority—approximately 87% of the population—Catholics are among the six officially recognized religions in the country.
On Thursday, Pope Francis will meet representatives of all recognized religions at Istiqlal Mosque, a symbol of religious harmony. He will also deliver a mass at the national football stadium, attended by thousands of Indonesian Catholics.
The visit is seen as a gesture of global importance in promoting Islamic-Christian dialogue. Michel Chambon, a theologian, noted that the pope’s visit is aimed at highlighting this dialogue rather than focusing solely on Indonesian Catholics.
The visit has sparked local enthusiasm and increased respect among Indonesians, with some Muslims appreciating the pope’s presence and the message of tolerance it conveys. The religious affairs ministry in Indonesia views the visit as a testament to the country’s religious diversity.
Pope Francis will sign a joint declaration with the grand imam of Istiqlal Mosque, addressing issues like dehumanization, violence, and environmental degradation. His visit underscores his ongoing calls to combat climate change and its impacts, including rising sea levels threatening Jakarta.
Security measures have been heightened due to past terrorist attacks in Indonesia. Pope Francis’s trip, originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the Covid pandemic, is his first visit to Indonesia since John Paul II’s trip in 1989.
With Pope Francis approaching his 88th birthday, the tour will be physically demanding. His health issues, including recent surgery and respiratory problems, have been managed with the presence of his personal doctor and two nurses.
Overall, the pope’s visit to Indonesia highlights his commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and addressing global issues, reflecting his broader message of peace and cooperation.