Jakarta, IO – The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is scheduled to visit Indonesia in early September, said Religion Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas after receiving a confirmation from Vatican.
“Based on a letter we received from the Vatican, Pope Francis will visit on September 3, 2024,” said Yaqut, per Kemenag.go.id, Mon (1/4).
Yaqut said the Indonesian government and people are honored with the visit. “President Jokowi has been looking forward to this meeting for a long time. In June 2022, I delivered an invitation letter from President Jokowi to Pope Francis,” he said.
“Thank God, after almost two years of waiting, Pope Francis was finally able to come to Indonesia. I think this is a special gift for Catholics devotees in Indonesia in particular.”
Read: Local Fashion Livens Up Indonesia Fashion Week 2024
Yaqut also hopes that during his visit, Pope Francis will be able to witness the diversity and harmonious coexistence among religious adherents in Indonesia.
“Indonesia is able to maintain tolerance and peace among religious adherents, including hundreds of native faiths. We hope that Pope Francis can see this diversity in Indonesia,” said Yaqut. (un)