31-3-2024 (JAKARTA) Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Indonesia in September, according to the country’s religious affairs minister, as worries grow over the pontiff’s health.
President Joko Widodo extended an invitation to Pope Francis in June 2022, aiming to promote religious tolerance in Indonesia, which boasts the largest Muslim population in the world.
Religious affairs minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas announced the long-awaited visit during an event in Central Java on Saturday (Mar 30), stating, “After waiting for two years, Pope Francis will finally come to Indonesia. I believe this will be a special gift for the Catholics.”
Qoumas cited a letter received by the Indonesian government from the Vatican, confirming that Pope Francis would be present in Indonesia on September 3, 2024. He expressed gratitude, saying, “This will be an honor for Indonesia.”
Indonesia, as per the Pew Research Centre, is home to 242 million Muslims, as well as approximately 29 million Christians, of which 8.5 million are Catholics.
In addition to his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis is also expected to travel to Papua New Guinea in August, according to the country’s foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko, while a Vatican source mentioned a potential visit to Timor-Leste in the same month.
Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has embarked on 44 trips abroad, demonstrating his commitment to engaging with different nations and communities.
However, concerns about his health have resurfaced following his recent cancellation of a significant Good Friday procession. The Vatican released a brief statement on Friday, explaining that “to preserve his health ahead of tomorrow’s vigil and the Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will this evening follow the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum from the Santa Marta Residence,” his place of residence.
