Pope Francis Embarks on Landmark 12-Day Asia Tour

Pope Francis has begun a 12-day visit to four Asian countries, starting with Indonesia. The tour marks his 45th Apostolic Journey and focuses on inter-religious dialogue and climate change. The Pope will address political leaders, religious figures, and sign an interfaith declaration during his visit.

Pope Francis touched down in Jakarta on Tuesday, initiating his 12-day tour covering Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. The 87-year-old pontiff arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport after a grueling 13-hour flight, the Jakarta Post reported.

Seated in a wheelchair, Francis disembarked from the plane via a lift, greeted with a bouquet of local produce by children in traditional clothing, according to Indonesian media. This trip marks his 45th Apostolic Journey and is the longest of his pontificate.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and other political leaders. Thursday will see him at an interfaith meeting at Southeast Asia's largest mosque, Istiqlal Mosque. He will sign an interfaith declaration with Indonesia's grand imam and visit the "tunnel of friendship" connecting the mosque and a nearby Catholic cathedral, CNN reported.

The Pope is expected to advocate for global climate action. President Jokowi labeled the visit as "very historic" and acknowledged it had been delayed due to the pandemic.

"Indonesia and the Vatican share a commitment to peace, brotherhood, and prosperity," President Jokowi stated in the Jakarta Post. Previous papal visits to Indonesia include Pope St. Paul VI in 1970 and Pope St. John Paul II in 1989.

The visit allows the Pope to emphasize inter-religious dialogue and environmental protection. CNN noted that the trip highlights a significant shift within the Catholic Church towards Asia. Indonesia, home to 280 million people, is the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, with Catholics making up just 3% of the population.

(With inputs from agencies.)