Pope Francis Gives Spirit To Persons With Disabilities

Jessica Henhili and her friends and children are waiting for Pope Francis' arrival at the KWI office on Jl. Cut Mutia Central Jakarta, Thursday (5/9/2024). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The leader of the world's Catholics who is also the Vatican Head of State, Pope Francis, gave encouragement and motivation to people with disabilities who were present at the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) office in Jakarta.

He expressed this after hearing the confession from Mimi and Andrew, as representatives of persons with disabilities who attended the activity.

"You are shining stars in the archipelago, the most valuable members of this church, you are the treasure," Pope Francis said at the event, Thursday, September 4.

He stated that he agreed with Mimi's words, which said that Allah created humans with his unique abilities to enrich the diversity of the world.

He also praised the experience of Andrew who was diagnosed with mild autism, but with his persistent efforts, he could participate in the paralympic competition.

"Congratulations to those who are able to compete in the paralympics, applause. Let's also applaud ourselves because we are also called together, to become champions in the grand Olympics of our lives," he said.

According to Pope Francis, the experiences of living with limitations experienced by people with disabilities are not an obstacle to doing the best in life, because all mankind have their own contribution to life in the world.

He also mentioned that humans need each other, without having to look at each other physically, or other shortcomings they have, so that humans can understand the true meaning of love with various advantages and human shortcomings.

"God never forgets us. Let's remember that to keep our hopes alive and fighting tirelessly, in order to make our lives a gift for others," he said.

At the end of the occasion, Pope Francis blessed the audience, as well as prayed for them, and also asked for prayers for themselves to the audience.

Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia was the third visit by the Holy Father, after Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.

Pope Francis traveled avatoly to the Asia-Pacific region for 3-13 September 2024, to visit four countries, namely Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. The 11-day journey will be the longest visit of the 87-year-old Holy Father, since 11 years of leadership over the Holy Throne of the Vatican.