Pope Francis, 87, embarks on his longest foreign trip, covering four countries in 12 days. This trip is his 45th international journey, significant for its length and diverse cultural and religious contexts. Moreover, Pope Francis will address global issues like climate change, social justice, and religious harmony.
Pope Francis, at 87, has embarked on the longest foreign trip of his papacy, covering four countries in 12 days. This journey, which started on September 2, 2024, includes visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. Despite concerns about his health, especially his mobility issues, Pope Francis appeared in good spirits as he greeted journalists onboard the flight to Jakarta.
This trip, his 45th international journey, is significant not only for its length but also for the diverse cultural and religious landscapes it covers. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, is the first stop, where the Pope will emphasize interreligious dialogue. He will visit Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque and a newly built “Tunnel of Fraternity” that connects the mosque to a nearby Catholic church, symbolizing religious harmony.
In Papua New Guinea, one of the world’s poorest countries, the Pope’s visit will focus on addressing the challenges faced by the local communities. The trip will also include poverty and safety concerns in Port Moresby, one of the most dangerous cities globally.
Itinerary Details
His stop in Timor-Leste, Asia’s newest country, will be closely watched, especially due to the recent clergy abuse scandals. The Pope’s visit here comes just two years after the Vatican took action against a prominent church figure. It has sparked significant discussion within the deeply Catholic nation.
Singapore, the final stop, is known for its cultural diversity, and the Pope will meet with young people engaged in interreligious dialogue. Meanwhile, the Pope has previously said it is his dream to visit the country. Three-quarters of the city state’s population of Singapore is ethnically Chinese, and Mandarin is one of four official languages.
Throughout his trip, Pope Francis will address important global issues such as climate change, social justice, and the need for religious harmony. His journey highlights the Pope’s commitment to engaging with the world’s diverse communities, advocating for peace, and fostering dialogue across different faiths.
