Jakarta – An atmosphere full of joy and solemnity enveloped the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Jakarta on Thursday, September 5, 2024, when Pope Francis led a Grand Mass attended by around 87,000 Catholics from all over Indonesia.
The event, which took place as part of Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Southeast Asia, was a historic and very meaningful moment for the Catholic community in Indonesia.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who arrived first was ready to welcome Pope Francis. When he got out of the car and moved in a wheelchair. Jokowi then shook Pope Francis’ hand and appeared to have a short chat.
At around 5:00 p.m. WIB, the Pope began the mass by saying the sign of the cross in Latin, “In Nomine Patris Et Filii Et Spiritus Sancti,” followed by the word “Amen” from the congregation present. The Pope then said “Pax Vobis” (Peace Be With You). Then, the Pope led the opening prayer and invited the congregation to begin their statement of repentance.
When leading the Grand Mass in front of tens of thousands of people, the Pope used Indonesian when saying one of the prayers, namely the Catholic declaration of repentance, “I Confess”.
In his homily, Pope Francis delivered an important message about the importance of people not to give up easily and always believe that they always have the opportunity to rise after failure. The Pope also advised Indonesia to never tire of casting its nets to maintain diversity and harmony to walk together for the good of society.
Previously, the Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was very meaningful for Catholics.
“Just as a child expects the presence of a father, so too do Indonesian Catholics expect the presence of their leader,” he said.
This Mass closed the series of visits by Pope Francis with full blessings, leaving a deep impression and reviving the spirit of Catholics in Indonesia. Catholics hope that the messages delivered by Pope Francis can be an inspiration and motivation in their journey of faith.
