Pope Francis Begins Historic Journey Through Asia and Oceania
On Tuesday morning, Pope Francis arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, embarking on a significant journey across four nations in Asia and Oceania. At 87 years old, this trip marks the longest of his papacy to date. Over the next 12 days, the Pope will also visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, addressing pressing global issues and fostering dialogue between different faiths.
Indonesia, predominantly Muslim with about 87% of its 242 million population identifying as such, sees Pope Francis addressing key themes, most notably the dialogue between Christianity and Islam. With only around 8 million Catholics, or less than 3% of the population, the Pope’s visit is pivotal in promoting inter-religious understanding.
On Thursday, the Pope is expected to walk through the ‘Friendship Tunnel’ connecting the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. This tunnel is a symbol of the collaboration fostered by Nadhlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, and the current president, Joko Widodo. After the walkthrough, Pope Francis will sign a joint statement with Imam Nasaruddin Umar, underlining the commitment to dialogue.
The themes for Francis's messages throughout this journey extend beyond interfaith dialogue. He will speak about crucial issues such as climate change, rising sea levels, economic progression, assistance for impoverished communities, and the acceptance of migrants. Of particular concern is the recent scandal surrounding pedophilia in the Church, tying into ongoing global discussions regarding accountability within religious institutions.
Furthermore, as noted by Gian Guido Vecchi, a Vatican correspondent, this journey also includes a significant underlying purpose. The Pope aims to open avenues for future relations with China, a dream of his since his papacy began. As his trip concludes in Singapore, a nation where three-quarters of the population is ethnically Chinese, discussions will revolve around extending the provisional agreement initiated in 2018, allowing for the appointment of bishops in China—a vital step to restore diplomatic ties severed since 1951.
During his scheduled visit on September 9 and 10, in East Timor, where the population is predominantly Catholic, Pope Francis will address the controversies surrounding the Church, including allegations against Bishop Filipe Ximenes Belo, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate accused of past abuses.
In Singapore, one of Asia's wealthiest and most industrialized nations, the Pope will reiterate his standpoint on an economy that prioritizes wealth over humanity, echoing sentiments he previously shared with young entrepreneurs.
Initially set for 2020, this extensive journey was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is viewed as a continuation of previous trips to nations like Korea, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Following limited travel since September 2022, when he visited Marseille, France, Pope Francis will have assistance from his personal physician and two nurses, as he manages ongoing health issues that have required the use of a wheelchair and surgery for a hernia.
This journey signifies a crucial dialogue-holding process, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and collective responsibility amongst nations and faiths worldwide.
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