Jakarta – Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) welcomed the plan for an apostolic and state visit by Pope Francis to Indonesia in early September 2024. President Jokowi emphasized that this visit will be an important moment to discuss various global issues, especially those related to world peace.
“Mainly related to peace. I think that is very important that we will discuss with him,” said President Jokowi.
The Head of State expressed his hope to be able to discuss directly with Pope Francis several world conflicts such as those in Gaza and Ukraine which were the main focus of the discussion.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, also said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia received a warm welcome from religious leaders.
“This visit carries a humanitarian and brotherhood mission that is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position as an agent of humanitarian brotherhood in Asia,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, emphasized that the Vatican is interested in learning more about Islam in Indonesia, which has unique characteristics and is different from other countries.
“The Vatican is very interested in studying Islam in Indonesia, because it has unique characteristics and is different from other Islamic countries,” said Suharyo.
For information, Pope Francis’ visit is the third papal visit to Indonesia, continuing the tradition started by Pope Saint Paul VI in 1970 and Pope Saint John Paul II in 1989. Pope Francis’ visit this time is an important moment to strengthen diplomatic and religious relations between Indonesia and the Vatican, as well as strengthen world peace through interfaith dialogue.
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia has a busy agenda that reflects the symbol of harmony between religious communities in Indonesia. Pope Francis arrives on September 3, 2024 and will be received stately by President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on September 4, 2024.
Next on the agenda, on September 5, Pope Francis will visit two iconic places in Jakarta that symbolize religious harmony, namely the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral Church. The visit will end with a grand mass at Gelora Bung Karno which is expected to be attended by thousands of Catholics from all over Indonesia.
