Pope visits Indonesia on longest papal tour in history

Pope Francis, aged 87, commenced a significant 12-day tour in Indonesia, marking the longest journey of his papacy. He arrived in Jakarta, a city with a predominantly Muslim population, where he aims to foster inter-faith dialogue. The visit is particularly notable as Catholics make up less than 3% of Indonesia's population, highlighting the importance of religious coexistence in the country. On Thursday, the pope is scheduled to meet with representatives of various faiths at Istiqlal mosque, a symbol of religious harmony, where he will sign a joint declaration with the grand imam. The Indonesian government has emphasized the visit as a demonstration of the nation’s religious diversity and harmony. Security measures are extensive, with over 4,000 law enforcement officers deployed to ensure the safety of the pontiff during his three-day stay. The visit is also seen as a response to growing concerns about discrimination against Christians in the country, with local Catholics hoping for a strong message from the pope regarding these issues. Pope Francis will engage with various groups, including young people, diplomats, and clergy, and is expected to meet with the outgoing president, Joko Widodo. His health has been a topic of concern, as he has faced respiratory issues and undergone surgery recently, but he continues to travel with his medical team. This visit is significant not only for the Catholic community but also for promoting dialogue between Islam and Christianity on a global scale, reinforcing the pope's commitment to addressing climate change and its impacts, particularly in urban areas like Jakarta.