Pope Francis began his historic 12-day tour of Asia with a visit to Indonesia, showcasing humility by opting for a family car and staying at the Vatican embassy rather than a luxury hotel. This marked the beginning of his extensive tour across four Asian countries.
On the first full day of his visit, the 87-year-old pontiff engaged in numerous meetings with political and religious leaders, focusing on interfaith dialogue and climate change. Despite his health challenges, the Pope’s demanding schedule tests his stamina during what is considered his longest and most distant trip to date.
Pope Francis was driven in a white Toyota Innova, a vehicle chosen specifically at the Vatican's request for its simplicity and common use. The Indonesian government initially arranged for the Pope to stay in a luxury hotel, but he chose the Vatican embassy in Jakarta as his residence instead.
During a Mass service at Bung Karno Stadium, where over 60,000 people are expected, the Pope will be transported in a custom-made bullet-proof vehicle, the Maung MV3, designed to meet his specific needs.
The Pope’s visit to Indonesia is his first in 35 years, and he was warmly welcomed at the Merdeka Palace, where he met with President Joko Widodo and his successor Prabowo Subianto. The welcoming ceremony was marked by traditional grandeur, including a display of white pigeons symbolizing peace.
In his address, Pope Francis urged Indonesians to embrace "harmony in diversity" and combat religious intolerance. He emphasized that diversity should be a source of strength rather than conflict and highlighted the essential role of political leaders in fostering unity.
A significant moment of the Pope’s visit will be his meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal mosque, where he will engage with representatives of Indonesia's six officially recognized religions. This visit comes at a time of rising concerns over religious intolerance in the country, with numerous incidents reported between 2021 and 2024.
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