Pope Francis Visit is a Momentum to Speak Up for Unity Among Interreligious Communities: Indonesian Bishops

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia is a momentum to voice a message of unity among interreligious communities for a better humanity, according to the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI).

"I am sure that these messages will be conveyed not only for the internal Catholic Church, but also for all people who will be involved," a representative from the conference and spokesperson for Pope Francis' visiting committee, Fr. Thomas Ulun Ismoyo, said on Monday, August 26, 2024.

He further explained that in every pastoral visit to countries, the Pope always conveys meaningful messages of peace and unity that are not only specifically for Catholics but for the entire community.

Moreover, he added, Indonesia is a society with very diverse religious backgrounds.

Therefore, he said, Pope Francis' visit can be a momentum to promote peace and goodness for humanity.

"In Indonesia, religious leaders play a significant role because religious leaders have followers and influence," Ismoyo explained.

"So when these religious leaders have followers and influence, unite, ally, have the same dream, the same concern--let us join hands to move towards a better humanity, a more genuine brotherhood, and the common good for society," he added.

Pope Francis will make an apostolic journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore from September 2 to 13, 2024.

Indonesia is the first country he will visit. He will be in the archipelagic nation from September 3 to 6.

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on September 3 afternoon.

Then, on September 4, the leader of the Catholic community is scheduled to meet President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

On September 5, Pope Francis is slated to attend an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, followed by a meeting with beneficiaries of charitable organizations at the KWI Office.

He will then continue with his visit to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) and Vanimo from September 6 to 9, Dili (Timor Leste) from September 9 to 11, and Singapore from September 11 to 13.

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