President Jokowi Extends Warm Welcome to Pope Francis

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) extended a heartfelt welcome to Pope Francis, the head of the worldwide Catholic Church, during a formal address at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. Pope Francis is visiting Indonesia from September 3-6, 2024.

“On behalf of the Indonesian people, I warmly welcome and thank Pope Francis for his very noble visit to Indonesia. Welcome to His Holiness Pope Francis to Indonesia,” President Jokowi stated in his speech.

The President shared that he had recently convened a final preparatory meeting with key officials, including Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and Archbishop of Jakarta Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, to finalize the arrangements for the Pope’s visit.

The Pope’s arrival in Indonesia is anticipated at 11:30 WIB today at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten. President Jokowi described the visit as a historic occasion, marking the third papal visit to Indonesia following those of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989. The visit had been in planning for several years but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout his four-day visit, Pope Francis will engage in state meetings, interact with diplomatic representatives, and meet with community leaders and interfaith figures, including a visit to Istiqlal Mosque. A significant highlight of the visit will be the Pope leading the Grand Holy Mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) on Thursday.

President Jokowi’s remarks underscore the importance of this visit and its anticipated impact on interfaith dialogue and diplomatic relations.