Pope hopes for Indonesia’s betterment: minister

Following Pope Francis’ recent visit to Indonesia, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas reported that the Pope concluded his visit with a heartfelt prayer for the country’s future betterment. Here are the key points regarding the visit and its outcomes:

Key Points:

1. Pope’s Message:
   • Pope Francis expressed a hopeful message for Indonesia’s future, praying for the country’s advancement in all aspects.
   • His closing words, “I pray for you, you pray for me,” emphasized mutual support and goodwill.
2. Diplomatic Exchanges:
   • Minister Qoumas relayed President Joko Widodo’s greetings to the Pope and vice versa. The Pope appreciated these gestures and expressed happiness in maintaining peace.
3. Significance of the Visit:
   • The Pope’s visit highlighted Indonesia’s strong interfaith relationships and the country’s commitment to religious diversity and dialogue.
   • The visit reinforced three main agreements with President Widodo: strengthening religious diversity, prioritizing dialogue to address disputes, and maintaining environmental sustainability.
4. Apostolic Journey:
   • The visit to Indonesia was part of Pope Francis’ broader apostolic journey to the Asia-Pacific region, which includes stops in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
   • This trip, spanning from September 3 to 13, 2024, is noted as the longest papal journey of Pope Francis’ 11-year papacy.
5. Historical Context:
   • 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.
6. Future Travel:
   • After Indonesia, Pope Francis continued his journey to Papua New Guinea, with further visits planned to Timor-Leste and Singapore.

The visit underscored the Pope’s commitment to fostering peace and enhancing international cooperation, while also reflecting Indonesia’s dedication to upholding religious harmony and environmental stewardship.

Summary of the Visit:

1. Pope’s Prayer and Message:
   • Pope Francis expressed his hope for Indonesia’s continued progress and betterment in all aspects.
   • His closing message was a reciprocal blessing: “I pray for you, you pray for me,” reflecting mutual goodwill and support.
2. Diplomatic Exchange:
   • During the visit, President Joko Widodo and Pope Francis exchanged greetings and well-wishes, emphasizing the strong relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican.
3. Focus on Peace and Interfaith Relations:
   • The Pope’s visit highlighted Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining peace and fostering interfaith dialogue.
   • The visit underscored the importance of religious diversity and cooperation in addressing disputes.
4. Agreements with President Widodo:
   • Three key points of agreement were discussed:
     • Strengthening religious diversity in Indonesia.
     • Prioritizing dialogue as a means to resolve differences and disputes.
     • Maintaining a green and sustainable environment.
5. Papal Journey Details:
   • Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was part of his Asia-Pacific apostolic journey, which also includes Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
   • This 11-day trip, from September 3 to 13, 2024, is noted as the longest papal journey of his 11-year papacy.
6. Historical Significance:
   • Pope Francis is the third Pope to visit Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.
7. Next Destinations:
   • After Indonesia, Pope Francis continued his journey to Papua New Guinea.

The visit served to strengthen diplomatic ties and reinforce Indonesia’s commitment to religious harmony and environmental sustainability.