Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, the Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), announced on Wednesday (28/8/2024) that Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia will focus on humanitarian and brotherhood missions.

In a press conference, he highlighted that Indonesia was initially set to welcome Pope Francis in 2020. However, the visit was postponed due to COVID-19.

Bunjamin hoped that the Pope's visit will position Indonesia as a leader in humanitarian brotherhood in Asia, as reported by antaranews.com.

Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, noted that the Vatican is keen to learn more about Islam in Indonesia. He said that Indonesian Islamic leaders are frequently invited to speak at Vatican events, given the unique nature of Islam in Indonesia compared to Europe.

Archbishop Suharyo also pointed out that the proximity of Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral symbolizes Indonesia's harmonious coexistence.

Ignasius Jonan, the Chairman of the Papal Visit Committee, urged those without tickets or invitations to watch the mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) via live broadcast at home or local churches. 

"If you don’t have a ticket, you can’t enter—no exceptions," Jonan emphasized.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)