Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia, beginning the longest trip of his pontificate. He hopes to encourage the nation’s Catholic community and celebrate its tradition of interfaith harmony in a country with the largest Muslim population in the world. Upon his arrival, children greeted him with a bouquet of vegetables, fruits, spices, and flowers. Despite the rigors of his 11-day voyage across time zones, the 87-year-old pope met with refugees, migrants, and sick people shortly after landing in Jakarta.
During his visit, Francis will meet with political leaders, Indonesian clergy, and attend an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal mosque with representatives from six recognized religions. Indonesia’s commitment to peace, brotherhood, and human welfare aligns with the Vatican’s values. The mosque’s proximity to the main Catholic cathedral symbolizes the country’s dedication to religious freedom and tolerance.
Although Indonesia has faced challenges with religious intolerance, the visit of Pope Francis is welcomed as a symbol of unity. With only 3% of the population identifying as Catholic, the sheer number of Indonesians makes it home to the third-largest Christian community in Asia. Thousands are expected to attend events during the Pope’s visit, including a Mass at Jakarta’s main stadium. The visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen religious tolerance in Indonesia and promote unity among its diverse population.
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