Minister Of State Secretary: The Meeting Of President Jokowi-Pope Francis Is Still Being Discussed By The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs

JAKARTA - Minister of State Secretary Pratikno said President Joko Widodo's meeting with the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, was being discussed at the foreign ministry level of two countries.

"That state visit has now been discussed between foreign ministries," said Pratikno as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 3.

Pratikno explained that the meeting between President Jokowi and Pope Francis had been scheduled because the visit of the leadership of the Catholic Church to Indonesia in September was a state visit.

Previously, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said Pope Francis would visit Indonesia on September 3, 2024.

The Minister of Religion emphasized that the government had received a notification letter from the Vatican authorities regarding Pope Francis' planned arrival.

"Based on a letter from the Vatican received by the Indonesian government, Pope Francis will be present on September 3, 2024. This is certainly an honor for the Indonesian people," said Minister of Religion Yaqut in his statement in Jakarta, Sunday (31/3).

According to the Minister of Religion, the arrival of the supreme leader of Catholics has been awaited by President Joko Widodo.

"In June 2022, I delivered an invitation letter from President Jokowi to Pope Francis. Alhamdulillah, after almost two years of waiting, Pope Francis was finally able to attend Indonesia. I think this is also a special gift for Catholics in particular," he said.

Vatican authorities have confirmed Pope Francis' visit not only to Indonesia, but also Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Singapore.