Pope Francis to Visit Indonesia in September
Pope Francis is set to visit Indonesia in September, according to the country’s religious affairs minister. The visit comes after an invitation from outgoing President Joko Widodo in June 2022, aiming to promote religious tolerance in the country.
Special Visit for Indonesian Catholics
After a two-year wait, Pope Francis will finally make his way to Indonesia, bringing a special gift for the Catholic community in the country. Religious affairs minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas shared this news at an event in Central Java, expressing his belief that the visit will be an honor for Indonesia.
Religious Diversity in Indonesia
Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, also has a significant Christian community. With 242 million Muslims and around 29 million Christians, including 8.5 million Catholics, the country showcases religious diversity.
Upcoming Papal Visits
Aside from Indonesia, Pope Francis is expected to visit Papua New Guinea in August and East Timor in the same month. The pontiff’s extensive travels have taken him to various countries since his election in 2013, with plans for future visits to Belgium and his native Argentina.
Concerns about Pope Francis’ health arose recently following a last-minute cancellation at a major Good Friday procession. The Vatican cited the need to preserve his health for upcoming events, including the Easter Sunday mass.