Welcome aboard the papal flight! After more than 13 hours, Pope Francis has officially touched down in Jakarta, marking the start of his 45th Apostolic Journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. This journey is not only his longest abroad but also holds immense significance for the Pontiff.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
The papal flight arrived a few minutes early at the Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, where a warm welcome awaited the Holy Father. The journey began in Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport and culminated in Indonesia, a country known for its diversity and tolerance.
During the flight, Pope Francis took the time to personally greet the journalists accompanying him, setting the tone for the upcoming engagements ahead.
While the Pope’s schedule for Tuesday remains light, Wednesday promises a flurry of activities in Jakarta to kick off the intensive 12-day visit encompassing various nations in Asia and Oceania.
Indonesia, with its rich tapestry of cultures and religious traditions, provides the perfect backdrop for Pope Francis to continue his message of human fraternity and interreligious dialogue, as highlighted in his encyclical Fratelli tutti.
Despite Catholics comprising a small percentage of the population, the country’s commitment to respect individual beliefs fosters an environment of unity and understanding.
Over the course of his stay in Jakarta, the Pope is scheduled to participate in an interreligious meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque and conduct a Mass for the Catholic community.
Glance at Asia
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo emphasized the significance of the Pope’s physical presence in Asia, where many face challenges ranging from political oppression to environmental crises. The faithful in the region find renewed hope through their faith, embodying the spirit of missionary work within their own communities.
Papua New Guinea
Forty years after Pope St. John Paul II’s visit, Pope Francis returns to Papua New Guinea, a nation heavily impacted by natural disasters and poverty. The Papal Mass in the capital city of Port Moresby and meetings with various groups signify the Pope’s solidarity with the local population.
Timor Leste
The upcoming leg of the journey will lead Pope Francis to Timor Leste, a bastion of Catholicism in Asia. With a focus on faith and culture, the Pope aims to connect with the community and offer his support to those in need.
Singapore
The final destination on the itinerary is Singapore, known for its economic prowess and cultural diversity. Despite being a minority, the Catholic population in Singapore plays a vital role in the nation’s spiritual fabric, marked by a thirst for knowledge and engagement.
Cardinal William Goh’s insights shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities present in Singapore, where the faithful’s educational background and expectations set a high standard for pastoral care and engagement.
As Pope Francis embarks on this historic journey, marked by encounters with diverse communities and shared experiences, the message of faith, fraternity, and compassion resonates across the region.
