Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai And Former President Jokowi Attend Pope Francis Cemetery At The Vatican

JAKARTA - The Minister of Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, Natalius Pigai, together with the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, are preparing to attend the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis which took place in the Vatican City, Saturday, April 26.

"We departed from the hotel at 07.30 local time. The ceremony is estimated at 10.00 to 12.00 local time," said Pigai when confirmed from Jakarta.

Apart from Natalius Pigai and President Jokowi, two other Indonesian envoys were also present, namely the Deputy Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia Thomas Djiwandono and the Chairperson of the Pope Francis' Welcoming Committee to Indonesia in 2024, Ignasius Jonan.

Pigai explained that the four Indonesian envoys wore black suits, black ties, and caps as a form of final respect for the Pope.

Three Indonesian representatives sent by President Prabowo Subianto have arrived in Rome, Italy, since Friday (25/4), while Pigai arrived earlier on Thursday, April 24.

"We are staying at the same hotel and on the same floor in Rome," added Pigai.

He also revealed that prior to the funeral ceremony, he and Jonan and Thomas had attended mass at St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Francis' funeral ceremony began when his coffin was taken to St. Peter's Square. Thousands of Catholics and hundreds of delegates from various countries packed the location of the ceremony.

According to the Roma Police authorities, more than 160 delegations from countries and international organizations attended the funeral. Among the other guests was the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who came with his wife, Melania Trump.

Pope Francis, who was listed as the first Pope from Latin America, passed away on April 21, 2025 at his residence in the Vatican at the age of 88. After the ceremony of honor in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis' body will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome.

This burial is a historic moment, marking the world's respect for a figure who throughout his leadership is known as a symbol of humility, peace, and openness between religious believers.