Pope Francis: Thank You President Jokowi And The Indonesian Nation

The leader of the world Catholic church, Pope Francis, during a mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), Thursday, September 5, 2024 (Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis' highest Catholic leader expressed his gratitude to President Joko Widodo and all Indonesians for accepting him during an avatolic visit in Indonesia since September 3, 2024.

Pope Francis felt the extraordinary friendliness of the Indonesian people so that he could run the series of events smoothly until the holy mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK), Thursday, September 5.

"My visit is almost over. I want to express my great joy and gratitude for the extraordinary hospitality. Thank you Mr. President (Jokowi) and all Indonesian people," Pope Francis said after holding a holy mass at the GBK Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday afternoon.

Pope Francis also did not forget to accept the Archbishop of Jakarta Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo and the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI). He admitted that Suharyo and KWI had also provided great services to Catholics in large countries such as Indonesia.

"Thanks to the nuns. Brave donne. Great women. Thank you to the religious and volunteers who express their special love for the elderly, to those who are sick, and all who present their prayers," said Pope Francis.

It is known that the holy mass at GBK was Pope Francis' last activity in Indonesia. Previously, Pope Francis had met with President Joko Widodo at the State Palace, government officials, interfaith leaders, bishops, priests, monks, church servants, the younger generation and people with disabilities. Pope Francis also visited the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.

At the holy mass event at the GBK stadium, Pope Francis went around greeting tens of thousands of Catholics using Maung made by PT Pindad at the GBK Intermediate Stadium and GBK Main Stadium.

Catholics also welcomed Pope Francis with cheers while singing Viva Il Papa, and Christ Raja, as well as Ave Maria.

Catholics also raised the Red and White flag and the Vatican flag. Pope Francis also smiled and gave blessings to Catholics present at GBK.

In his sermon, Pope Francis gave a message to the Indonesian people not to get tired of dreaming and building a peace civilization. According to Pope Francis, Indonesia is very beautiful with diversity so it must continue to strengthen brotherhood and unity.

"Brothers and sisters, I also want to say to you, to this nation, to this amazing and diverse archipelago, don't get tired of sailing and spreading your nets, don't get tired of dreaming and rebuilding a peace civilization. Always be brave to dream of brotherhood," concluded Pope Francis.

This holy mass with Pope Francis was attended by approximately 86,000 Catholics from all over Indonesia. This holy mass was held in two different stadiums in the SUGBK complex, namely as many as 60,000 people will be at the GBK Main Stadium, while another 26,000 people will be at the GBK Intermediate Stadium.

This holy mass with Pope Francis is a special moment for Catholics, considering the opportunity to meet directly with the Pope in Indonesia is very rare. The Pope's last visit to Indonesia took place in 1989.