Jakarta – Around 80 thousand Catholics attended the Grand Mass with Pope Francis at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) on Thursday (5/9/2024).
Even though it only started at 17.00 WIB, Catholics had started arriving since 10.00 because they had to go through the ticket inspection process, body checking, until they were finally able to go to the designated seating area.
Indonesian singer, Lyodra Ginting presented the song St Francis Prayer in the grand mass led by Pope Francis. On that occasion, Lyodra appeared stunning wearing traditional Mandailing clothes. The performance of the Batak-blooded singer was warmly welcomed and entertained all the people present.
A number of figures attended the grand mass, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Bisar Panjaitan and figures from the previous government, namely Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Mari Elka Pangestu, and also Thomas Trikasih Lembong.
In his homily during the Mass, Pope Francis emphasized an important message about the importance of people not giving up easily and always believing that they always have the opportunity to rise again after failure.
He also advised Indonesia to never tire of casting its nets to maintain diversity and harmony to work together for the good of society.
President Jokowi said that Indonesian Catholics rejoiced today because they could celebrate Holy Mass with Pope Francis.
He said all Indonesians are happy to welcome Pope Francis. Jokowi wished a happy worship for Catholics.
“Today, Indonesian Catholics rejoice because they can hold a holy mass together with His Holiness, Pope Francis,” said Jokowi via video recording at the grand mass with Pope Francis at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Madya Stadium, Jakarta, Thursday (5/9).
Jokowi said Catholics in Indonesia are an important part of the nation. Catholics, he said, play a role in maintaining unity and spreading love and tolerance with other religious communities.
“Difference is wealth and tolerance is fertilizer for our unity and peace as a nation,” concluded Jokowi.
