Closing holy mass, Pope thanks Indonesians for warm welcome

As Pope Francis concluded his visit to Indonesia, he expressed deep gratitude to the Indonesian people for their warm welcome. Addressing the congregation at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta, he thanked the people for their hospitality and support throughout his visit.

In his remarks, Pope Francis acknowledged the contributions of Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Archbishop of Jakarta, and the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI) for their service to both the people and God. He also extended his thanks to President Joko Widodo for the warm reception and support.

Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo reciprocated by thanking Pope Francis for his visit and expressed appreciation for the Pope’s efforts to bring hope to the region. Cardinal Suharyo’s farewell was heartfelt, highlighting the significance of the Pope’s journey.

This visit is part of Pope Francis’ extensive apostolic journey to Asia-Oceania, running from September 3 to 13, 2024. Following his time in Indonesia, the Pope will continue his travels to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. This 11-day trip marks the longest pontifical journey of the Pope’s 11-year papacy. Pope Francis is the third Vatican head of state to visit Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.

Pope Francis concluded his visit to Indonesia with a heartfelt message of thanks during a grand holy mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta. He expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian people for their warm reception and support throughout his visit.

In his address, Pope Francis thanked Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, the Archbishop of Jakarta, and the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI) for their dedication and service. He also acknowledged President Joko Widodo for the hospitality shown during his stay.

Cardinal Suharyo responded with his own thanks, appreciating the Pope’s willingness to visit Indonesia and extend his message of hope.

Pope Francis’ visit, part of an extensive Asia-Oceania apostolic journey from September 3 to 13, 2024, marks the longest pontifical trip of his papacy. After Indonesia, the Pope will travel to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. This visit follows those of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989, making Pope Francis the third Vatican head of state to visit Indonesia.