President Jokowi Welcomes Pope Francis at GBK Ahead of Holy Mass

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo warmly welcomes the arrival of His Holiness Pope Francis at the holy mass held at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium, Jakarta, Thursday (09/05). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (09/05) warmly welcomed His Holiness Pope Francis at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium where thousands of Catholics from across Indonesia gathered for a historic holy mass.

The President greeted the Pope upon his arrival at the GBK Madya Stadium after which Pope Francis was transferred to an open-top jeep to proceed to the GBK Main Stadium. The President also extended a warm and respectful welcome to Pope Francis.

“Today, we rejoice in welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis. Indonesian Catholics are also celebrating as they have the opportunity to join in Holy Mass with him,” the President said as broadcasted on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel.

Th Head of State also underscored the crucial role of Catholics in upholding national unity and promoting values of love and tolerance in the midst of diversity.

“Catholics in Indonesia play a vital role in maintaining national unity and, along with other religious communities, in promoting love and tolerance throughout the country,” the President said, adding that diversity is a national asset and tolerance fosters unity and peace.

Concluding his remarks, the President wished all Catholics present a joyful mass. “I wish you a joyful mass and hope it brings blessings to others,” the remarked.

The Holy Mass, led directly by His Holiness Pope Francis, marked the culmination of his apostolic visit to Indonesia. The historic visit is expected to boost relations between the Vatican and Indonesia and play a pivotal role in enhancing interfaith brotherhood at home. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (RIF/EP)