Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday, marking the start of his four-nation tour across the Asia-Pacific region, the longest journey of his papacy.
First Stop: Jakarta, Indonesia
The 87-year-old pontiff touched down in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, for a three-day visit focusing on fostering inter-religious harmony in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country. The pope was greeted with an honor guard, a welcome from Indonesian officials including the religious affairs minister, and a traditional bouquet presented by two children.
Expansive 12-Day Tour Across the Asia-Pacific
Following his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis is scheduled to continue his 12-day journey with stops in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. This tour marks the longest and most distant trip of his papacy, reflecting his ongoing commitment to building bridges between different faiths and cultures in the region.
Promoting Inter-Religious Dialogue
The pope’s visit to Indonesia underscores his dedication to inter-religious dialogue, as he aims to strengthen ties between different faith communities and promote peace and understanding in a diverse and multicultural region. His presence in the Asia-Pacific is expected to have a significant impact on religious relations in the area.
Also learn about Pope Francis Historic Visit to Singapore: Online Ballot for Papal Mass Tickets Opens June 24.
