The bustling Indonesian capital of Jakarta was abuzz with excitement on Tuesday as Pope Francis embarked on the first leg of his long-anticipated Asia-Pacific tour. The 87-year-old pontiff’s arrival marked the beginning of his most extensive international trip to date, a journey that will see him traverse nearly 33,000 kilometers and visit several key destinations across the region.
Pope Francis, who was assisted by a wheelchair due to his age, was met with enthusiastic waves from dozens of Indonesians as his motorcade made its way through Jakarta. The scene was a testament to the deep respect and admiration he commands, even in a country where Catholics constitute a small minority.
A Grand Reception
Upon arriving at Jakarta’s airport, Pope Francis was greeted with a traditional welcome. Two children in vibrant local attire presented him with a bouquet of indigenous produce, a gesture that highlighted Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. The reception was further marked by a ceremonial red carpet, flanked by honor guards, as Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, Vatican envoy, and several bishops welcomed him.
Despite the heat and the long journey from Rome, which included a 13-hour overnight flight, the Pope was in high spirits. As he was driven to the Vatican embassy, small crowds gathered along the route, eagerly waving and cheering.
“I’m so happy, I feel so blessed,” said Enny Rahail, a 52-year-old from southeast Maluku who had traveled over 3,000 kilometers to see the Pope. Rahail, among many others, expressed deep joy at the Pope’s visit, calling him an “advocate for peace.”
A Focus on Climate and Interfaith Dialogue
The Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take Pope Francis to East Timor, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea, is expected to emphasize global action on climate change—a cause the Pope has long championed. His trip is set to span 12 days and will include several significant events aimed at addressing environmental concerns and fostering interfaith dialogue.
In Jakarta, the Pope will deliver his first official address to Indonesia’s political leaders on Wednesday, followed by an inter-religious meeting at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque, on Thursday. This engagement underscores the Pope’s commitment to promoting peace and understanding among diverse religious communities.
Jakarta, a city home to at least 10 million people, faces its own climate challenges, including chronic flooding and land subsidence. As part of his visit, the Pope is likely to address these issues, highlighting the importance of global solidarity in combating climate change.
A Historic Visit
Indonesian President Joko Widodo welcomed Pope Francis’s visit as a significant milestone, reflecting the shared commitment of Indonesia and the Vatican to peace and prosperity. “This is a very historic visit,” Widodo remarked before the Pope’s arrival. “Indonesia and the Vatican have a similar commitment to cultivate peace and brotherhood as well as ensure prosperity for the people.”
The visit, which had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marks a renewed opportunity for the Pope to engage with the Asia-Pacific region. His journey will not only reinforce his environmental advocacy but also strengthen the bonds of global religious and cultural understanding.
As Pope Francis continues his Asia-Pacific tour, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see the impact of his message of peace and environmental stewardship. His visit to Jakarta is just the beginning of a journey that will touch many lives and inspire countless individuals across the region.
