Pope Francis Visits The Country, Coordinating Minister For Human Development And Culture: State Guests And Indonesian People's Guests

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy (left front) in a press conference regarding weather modification operations at IKN at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture Office, Jakarta, Monday (2/9/2024). (ANTARA)

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) stated that the visit of World Catholic Church Leader Pope Francis was an honor for the Indonesian nation.

"From the government side, this is an extraordinary honor for the government and the people of Indonesia. We will welcome Pope Francis' presence as well as possible, because he is a guest of the country as well as a guest of the Indonesian people," Muhadjir said when met at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture Office, Jakarta, Monday, September 2, was confiscated by Antara.

He emphasized that preparations for the arrival of Pope Francis had also been carried out optimally through various discussions related to contemporary issues with various community groups.

"Everything is ready, including discussions related to issues or issues that are now the big theme of the Pope, have been carried out by community groups and the government," said Coordinating Minister Muhadjir.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas views Pope Francis' arrival to Indonesia as proof that bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Vatican are closely related.

"This (visit) shows a very close relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican. Why is that? Because not all countries have been visited by the Pope," said Minister of Religion Yaqut at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday, September 2, which was confiscated by Antara.

The Minister of Religion said Pope Francis' visit was very valuable. Because not all countries have been visited by the Pope. In fact, Argentina, whose homeland has not yet been visited.

Pope Francis, who is the Holy See Leader of the Vatican, is scheduled to land at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Tuesday, September 3.

Then Pope Francis on Wednesday, September 4, is scheduled to visit the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, and he will be greeted by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo.

Pope Francis will then continue his agenda meeting the congregation at the Cathedral and the Young Catholic congregation Grha Pemuda.

The Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church throughout the world on Thursday 5 September is scheduled to visit the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, then at 17.00 WIB, he will lead the grand holy mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta.

Last Friday 6 September, Pope Francis will leave Jakarta for Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. He left for Port Moresby from Soekarno Hatta International Airport.