Discussion of Pope Francis-President Jokowi Meeting is Still Being Prepared by Vatican

Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto gave a statement at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, Monday (26/8/2024). ANTARA/Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga

JAKARTA - Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto said that the discussion of the meeting between the World Catholic Church Leader Pope Francis and President Joko Widodo is still being finalized by the Vatican's Papal Secretariat and the Presidential Palace, as well as the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Andy explained that Pope Francis will be received stately by President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, during his visit to Indonesia on September 3-6, 2024.

"Whatever will be discussed, of course, what I will convey here, I underline, he is visiting at the same time as a state guest and also a leader of the people," said Andi while giving a statement at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Monday, August 26.

Andi said that the meeting between the President and Pope Francis as the leader of the world's Catholics will also involve the Ministry of Religion in discussions with both of them.

In accordance with the program discussed with the Vatican, the Pope is planned to arrive in Jakarta on September 3, 2024.

Pope Francis is then scheduled to visit the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 4, 2024 and as a state guest, an official State ceremony will be held. The Pope will be received by President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace.

On the evening of September 5, said Andy, a Grand Mass will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Complex, both at the Madya Stadium and the GBK Main Stadium involving approximately 90 thousand Catholics.

As previously reported, the leader of the World Catholic Church Pope Francis will make an apostolic journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore on September 2-13, 2024.

The Committee for the Visit of the Holy Father Francis stated that Indonesia will be the first country in a series of visits by Pope Francis to the Asia Pacific region, namely on September 3 to 6, 2024.