Pope Francis (87) will embark on an apostolic journey from September 2 to 13, 2024, visiting the regions of Asia and Oceania. During this journey, Pope Francis will visit 4 countries: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. As the supreme leader of the world Catholic Church and Head of State of the Vatican City, Pope Francis will include Indonesia in his apostolic journey this time.
The trip marks the longest apostolic visit by Pope Francis to the Asia-Pacific region. For Indonesia, the Holy Father’s visit from September 3 to six might be the third papal visit within the country’s history. The first papal visit was made by Pope Saint Paul VI on December 3-4, 1970. Almost 19 years later, Pope Saint John Paul II visited Indonesia from October 9-14, 1989.
The upcoming papal visit to Indonesia, which can happen from September 3-6, 2024, might be the third visit by a pope to Indonesia. During the visit, Pope Francis will meet and have interaction with the faithful of the Catholic Church from across the country who’ve been eagerly awaiting the pope’s visit for 35 years.
Read also: Apostolic Journey Schedule: Pope Francis in Southeast Asia and Oceania
Preparations for the visit of the Holy Father
Despite his advanced age and health limitations, Pope Francis stays determined and enthusiastic to come back to Indonesia to satisfy along with his supporters. He also shows his fatherly love by strengthening and confirming the religion of the Catholic community in Indonesia.
According to an announcement by the President of the Indonesian Episcopal Conference (IEC), Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, published on the web site KWI official websiteThe Indonesian Episcopal Conference, along with the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See in Indonesia (Embassy of the Holy See in Indonesia), has been preparing for this visit since April and has worked diligently to be sure that all the things is prepared.
Read also: The official logo and motto of Pope Francis’ trip to Southeast Asia and Oceania
Welcoming the Pope to Indonesia, the Catholic Church in Indonesia encourages its members to embrace the values taught by the Holy Father, particularly Faith, Fraternity and Compassion. These values are also the topic of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia.
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo also delivered a vital message regarding the Pope’s upcoming visit, emphasizing that while the Pope’s presence in Indonesia is critical, it’s equally necessary to check and follow his teachings and example.
Ensuring the Pope’s safety
The President of the Organizing Committee of the Papal Visit to Indonesia, Ignasius Jonan, shared technical details of the preparations, noting that the Committee and the Government prepare each place the Pope will visit and coordinate activities between sectors to be sure that the trip goes easily and in keeping with plan.
In addition, the Committee has taken motion in the realm of health care, including appointing a medical team to support the Pope’s needs. This team may even accompany him throughout his apostolic journey to the Asia-Pacific region, in addition to two nurses.
In addition to health considerations, the Committee and the Government have also taken preventive measures to make sure the Pope’s safety during his stay in Indonesia.
Read also: Waiting for the Pope: Historic Visit to Southeast Asia and Oceania
Holy Mass in Jakarta
During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis will hold a lot of meetings, particularly with the Indonesian government, bishops and interfaith leaders.
He may even visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the most important mosque in Southeast Asia, and lead a solemn mass on the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, which is predicted to be attended by some 90,000 Catholics from across Indonesia.
On September 6, the Holy Father will travel to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.
