Jokowi: The Arrival Of Pope Francis Brings Peace, Brotherhood And People's Welfare

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said Indonesia and the Vatican have the same commitment to fostering peace and brotherhood, as well as prosperity for mankind.

The relationship between the Republic of Indonesia and the Vatican was conveyed by President Jokowi regarding the visit of the Vatican Head of State Sri Pope Francis to Indonesia on September 3, 2024.

"Indonesia and the Vatican have the same commitment to foster peace and brotherhood and ensure prosperity for mankind," President Jokowi said in a statement delivered at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, quoted by ANTARA Tuesday, September 3.

President Jokowi said he had just held the last meeting with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and Archbishop of Jakarta Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo at the Merdeka Palace.

The President in his statement warmly welcomed the visit of Sri Paus Fransiskus to Indonesia.

Sri Paus' visit to Indonesia is the third time after the 7th Pope Paul's Sri Pope in 1970 and the 2nd visit of Pope Yohannes Paulus in 1989.

"On behalf of the Indonesian people, I warmly welcome and thank you for the very noble visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia. Welcome to the very noble Sri Pope Francis to Indonesia," said President Jokowi.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on Tuesday at around 11.30 WIB via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang.

Then, the next day or on September 4, 2024, the leader of the Catholics is scheduled to meet President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Pope Francis is scheduled to attend an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta and continue with meetings with beneficiaries of charitable organizations at the Indonesian Bishops' Conference Office (KWI).

The Pope will also lead Pope Francis' Holy Mass at Gelora Gelora Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) on Thursday 5 September.