JAKARTA, Indonesia: Pope Francis is set to visit Indonesia in September, as confirmed by the country’s religious affairs minister, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.
The visit comes after outgoing President Joko Widodo extended an invitation to the pontiff in June 2022, aiming to promote religious tolerance in the country with the world’s largest Muslim population.
Minister Qoumas announced the long-awaited visit during an event in Central Java, expressing anticipation for the pope’s arrival on September 3rd, 2024. The Indonesian government received confirmation from the Vatican through a formal letter, marking the occasion as a significant honor for the nation’s Catholics.
Indonesia, home to approximately 242 million Muslims and around 29 million Christians, including 8.5 million Catholics, represents a diverse religious landscape. The pope’s visit is expected to strengthen interfaith dialogue and foster greater understanding among religious communities.
In addition to Indonesia, Pope Francis plans to visit Papua New Guinea in August, according to the country’s foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko. A Vatican source also indicated a potential visit to East Timor during the same month, underscoring the pontiff’s commitment to engaging with diverse global communities.
Since assuming the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis has embarked on numerous international trips, totaling 44 visits abroad. Despite concerns about his health, evidenced by a recent last-minute cancellation at a major Good Friday procession, the Vatican affirmed its commitment to preserving the pope’s well-being ahead of upcoming engagements.
As preparations for the visit to Indonesia unfold, anticipation grows among Catholics and citizens alike, heralding the pope’s arrival as a momentous occasion for promoting peace, tolerance, and unity across religious divides.
