President Jokowi Delivers Statement on Arrival of Pope Francis

President Jokowi delivers press statement after leading a meeting to prepare the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia, Wednesday (09/03) at the Merdeka Palace Rabu (03/09/2024). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivered a press statement after chairing a meeting to prepare the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia, Wednesday (09/03) at the Merdeka Palace.

The meeting was attended by Jakarta Archbishop Mgr. Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Head Committee of Pope Arrival to Indonesia Ignasius Jonan, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L. Marsudi.

“I just finished chairing the final meeting to check the preparation for Pope Francis’ arrival. His Holiness Pope Francis will arrive in Jakarta in few hours,” President Jokowi said.

The President stated that this visit is a very historic one and is the third visit after Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.

“This visit is a very historic visit. It was planned for several years but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

He went on to say that Indonesia and the Vatican share a commitment to fostering peace and brotherhood and ensuring the well-being of humanity.

Furthermore, he explained that during his four-day visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis will hold a state meeting, a meeting with the diplomatic corps and representatives of the society. He is also scheduled to meet with interfaith figures at the Istiqlal Mosque and lead a Holy Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, Jakarta.

“On behalf of the Indonesian people, I warmly welcome and thank His Holiness Pope Francis for his visit to Indonesia. Welcome to Indonesia, His Holiness Pope Francis,” he concluded. (FID/ABD) (EST/LW)