Jakarta – Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia this year was a meaningful and inspiring moment. During his visit, Pope Francis delivered a message of peace and interfaith dialogue.
Head of State Protocol, Andy Rachmianto said that the World Catholic Church Leader Pope Francis was received with state honors by President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.
“As a state guest, of course, an official state ceremony will be held, received by the President at the Merdeka Palace and also activities at the State Palace,” said Andy.
He explained that Pope Francis was treated as a state guest as well as a leader of the people, especially Catholics.
For your information, Pope Francis will make an apostolic journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Singapore between September 2-13, 2024.
The Committee for Pope Francis’ Visit stated that Indonesia is the first country in Pope Francis’ series of visits to the Asia Pacific region. Then, the Pope continued his visit to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) and Vanimo from 6-9 September 2024, Dili (Timor Leste) from 9-11 September 2024 and Singapore from 11-13 September 2024.
Pope Francis also met with young people from Scholas Occurantes at the Youth Center Graha Pemuda, Jakarta Cathedral Complex. Indonesia as a country with rich cultural and religious diversity, has an important role in creating world harmony.
The Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, said that he interpreted Pope Francis’ presence in Indonesia as a father’s longing for his child.
“Just as a child expects the presence of a father. So Catholics in Indonesia expect the presence of their leader. It’s that simple,” said Cardinal Suharyo in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
Symbolically, Indonesia is known as a country with high tolerance values. This is reflected symbolically in the location of the Church of the Ascension of the Ascension of the Cathedral Parish adjacent to the Istiqlal Mosque.
“So the Pope’s arrival in Indonesia aims to strengthen good relations between the two countries,” said Cardinal Suharyo.
Cardinal Suharyo believes that Pope Francis deeply understands the values of tolerance that exist in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar said that the Pope’s visit was an honor. Indonesia is not predominantly Catholic, even predominantly Muslim. But the Pope chose to come to Indonesia.
“For me, this is special. Why would the Pope want to visit Indonesia? There is no way the Pope would want to visit a country if there is nothing in his heart. So we have an inner friendship,” he said in an interview as quoted on the hidupkatolik.com page.
Pope Francis’ visit is not only a valuable moment for Catholics, but also for the entire Indonesian nation who long for peace and unity. With his inspiring messages, Pope Francis has left a deep mark in the hearts of Indonesian youth.
