President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is anticipated to engage in a significant bilateral meeting with Pope Francis during the pontiff’s upcoming visit to Indonesia in September. State Secretary Pratikno revealed that the Foreign Ministry is diligently working on the logistics and specifics of this meeting, highlighting the importance of Pope Francis’s stopover in Indonesia as a state visit. This designation ensures that protocol allows for formal discussions and engagements between the two leaders, likely to take place in the capital city.
The visit of Pope Francis holds profound significance, not only for the Catholic community in Indonesia but also for the nation’s diplomatic relations with the Vatican. Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed the long-awaited anticipation among Catholics, emphasizing that the pontiff’s visit would be a special gift for them. Confirmation of Pope Francis’s arrival on September 3, 2024, was received through a letter from the Vatican, affirming the scheduled visit’s authenticity and importance.
Indonesia, known for its diverse religious landscape, welcomes Pope Francis’s visit as a testament to its commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation. The forthcoming meeting between President Jokowi and Pope Francis underscores the nation’s recognition of the pivotal role of religion in shaping societal values and promoting peace.
Moreover, Pope Francis’s regional itinerary, which includes visits to Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, reflects a broader engagement with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This regional outreach underscores the Vatican’s commitment to fostering dialogue and solidarity across diverse cultural and religious landscapes.
As preparations for the visit continue, anticipation grows not only within the Catholic community but also among Indonesians at large. The meeting between President Jokowi and Pope Francis signifies an opportunity for dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation on issues of mutual concern, further strengthening the bonds between Indonesia and the Vatican.
