Pope Francis to Meet Jokowi in Indonesia, Palace Confirms

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Palace confirmed that the preeminent leader of the Catholic community, Pope Francis, is slated to meet with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo during his visit to Indonesia, which is planned for the next few months. State Secretary Minister Pratikno said the meeting had been scheduled.

“Yes, he will meet with President Jokowi. It's a state visit. This has also been discussed between the foreign ministries,” Pratikno said when met at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 3.

The plan for the Pope's visit was first revealed by Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. He said the Pope was scheduled to visit Indonesia on September 3, 2024, as confirmed by the Vatican authorities.

In a written statement on Saturday, March 30, Yaqut claimed to have invited the pope in June 2022. The Pope's visit was highly anticipated. "I believe this will be a special gift, particularly for Catholics,” he added.

During his upcoming visit, Yaqut said that the pope will witness the diversity and brotherhood among religious communities in Indonesian society.

The Minister also believed that Indonesia would continuously maintain tolerance and peace among religious believers. In a letter to the Vatican, Yaqut shared the longing of Catholics for Pope Francis to come to Indonesia and conveyed greetings from the archbishops and bishops of Indonesia.

“They pray for the health of Pope Francis and hope for the pope's visit to Indonesia,” Minister Yaqut said.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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