Durian. Pope Francis on Tuesday, 3 Sept. 2024 arrived in Indonesia by a commercoal flight operated by Italian ITA Airways, starting his official visit to the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
Previous visit of the head of Catholic Church in Indonesia was 35 year ago, when Pope Paul II visited Indonesia in October 1989.
‘This is a historical visit,” Indonesian President Joko Widodo said after a meeting with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas at Merdeka Palace on Tuesday.
Their discussion was related to the visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia between 3 Sept. and 6 Sept..
“I, on behalf of the people of Indonesia, warmly welcome and thank Pope Francis for his visit to Indonesia,” the president added.
President Widodo will meet Pope Francis on Wednesday in Jakarta.
Pope will lead a mass prayer in Jakarta where over nine thousands congregation members are expected to partake at the Gelora Bung Karno.
The Holy leader will meet religious representatives in an inter-faith gathering and he is scheduled to visit Indonesia’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque.
On 6 Sept. Pope Francis will depart for Port Moresby to continue his Asia-Pacific trip, including to Timor Leste and Singapore.
From the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Pope Francis and entourage are heading to the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta where he will stay during his Indonesia’s trip. (***)
