Pope Francis touched down in Indonesia on Tuesday, kicking off his extensive Asia-Pacific tour where he will emphasize the need for global action on climate change in what is his lengthiest journey to date. The 87-year-old pontiff arrived at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta airport on a special ITA Airways flight accompanied by his team and journalists.
Over the next 10 days, Francis is set to visit East Timor, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea. After a 13-hour flight from Rome, the pope, who was in a wheelchair, was warmly welcomed by Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, the country’s Vatican ambassador, and local bishops.
During his stay, Francis is expected to address Indonesia’s political leaders, participate in an inter-religious gathering at Istiqlal Mosque, and continue advocating for climate awareness. As Jakarta grapples with climate-induced challenges like flooding and land subsidence, Indonesia remains committed to fostering peace and prosperity.
President Joko Widodo expressed excitement for the long-awaited visit, highlighting the shared values of peace and unity between Indonesia and the Vatican. This historic trip symbolizes a deep commitment to collaboration and mutual well-being.
© Thomson Reuters 2024.