Jokowi Highlights Catholics' Role for Unity in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi underlined the role of Indonesian Catholics in maintaining the nation’s unity. According to the president, Catholics spread the values of love and tolerance amid diversity.

“Catholics in Indonesia are an important part of the nation in maintaining unity, spreading love and tolerance with other religious communities in Indonesia," he said.

Jokowi welcomed Pope Francis’ arrival at the papal Mass at GBK Stadium on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The former Jakarta Governor shook hands with Pope Francis upon his arrival at Madya Stadium. 

In his speech, Jokowi congratulated all Catholics attending the Mass. “I wish you a happy holy mass and hope it will be a blessing for all,” Jokowi said. 

Previously, the Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo told Tempo on Thursday that over 85,000 Catholics would attend the Grand Mass.

Catholics attending the Grand Mass at the stadium stood up from their seats when Pope Francis’ white car arrived. The Vatican Swiss Guard was seen guarding the Pope.

“Viva il Papa! Viva il Papa!” the crowd roared, meaning ‘Long live the Pope.”

Pope Francis then blessed babies and children as well as greeting several people in attendance. Pope Francis’ car slowly headed to the altar, while calls of ‘Viva il Papa’ shifted to ‘Kristus Raja’ or ‘Christ the King.’

The choir sang Ave Maria when Pope Francis reached the alta, a song of praise for the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The Grand Mass at GBK Stadium was the peak of Poe Francis’ visit to Indonesia. He would head to Papua New Guinea tomorrow.

The Presidential Palace hoped Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Indonesia could strengthen the relations between the Vatican and Indonesia, and boost interreligious harmony in the country. 

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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