Pope Francis recently arrived in Indonesia on his historic visit to the country, which is home to Asia’s third-largest congregation of Catholic followers. The pontiff’s trip aims to celebrate and promote the tradition of interfaith harmony between the country’s Catholic community and its Muslim majority.
During his visit, Pope Francis attended the opening ceremony in Jakarta and was welcomed by two children presenting him with a bouquet of vegetables, fruits, spices, and flowers. The visit marks the beginning of the longest and farthest trip of his pontificate, during which he will also visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
In Indonesia, the pope will meet with political leaders, members of the Indonesian clergy, and participate in an interfaith meeting in Jakarta’s iconic Istiglal mosque. The visit is significant in highlighting Indonesia as a country of religious tolerance, especially in the face of violent extremist attacks that have occurred in the past.
Despite Catholics making up only 3% of Indonesia’s population, the country is home to Asia’s third-largest Christian community. Thousands of people are expected to attend the pope’s events this week, including a Mass at Jakarta’s main stadium with an estimated 60,000 attendees.
Residents are urged to work from home on the day of the Mass due to the roadblocks and crowds expected in the city. The pope’s visit is seen as a source of joy and hope for religious tolerance in Indonesia, with many expressing their excitement and anticipation for the historic event.
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