Pope Francis Embarks on Monumental Southeast Asia Tour to Promote Interfaith Harmony

Pope Francis began his challenging 11-day Southeast Asia tour in Indonesia, meeting political and religious leaders while promoting interfaith harmony in a predominantly Muslim country. During his trip, Francis is set to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, focusing on religious tolerance and supporting local Catholic communities.

Pope Francis has embarked on a challenging 11-day, four-nation tour through Southeast Asia and Oceania, starting with a packed schedule in Indonesia. The trip, aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and supporting local Catholic communities, began with a welcome ceremony featuring Indonesian President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto.

Francis will meet with various leaders, including clergy members and schoolchildren. His agenda includes an interfaith meeting at Jakarta's iconic Istiqlal Mosque and addressing concerns about religious intolerance. Amnesty International hopes the visit will promote broader respect for religious freedom in Indonesia.

This visit marks one of the longest and most difficult trips of his pontificate, with extensive travel and numerous engagements planned across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. Despite his health challenges, Francis appeared in good spirits as he embarked on the journey aimed at strengthening interfaith ties and bolstering the Catholic Church in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)