by Margaux Salcedo
photo from Vatican News
Jakarta, Indonesia - The itinerary of Pope Francis on the day of his arrival was empty. Or so it seemed. There was nothing that could be covered by the press.
As it turns out, he took this private time to meet with orphans, the elderly, the poor and refugees.
Pope Francis landed at the Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 11:19 a.m., ahead of its 11:30 a.m. schedule, on September 3, 2024, Tuesday, via an ITA-Airways aircraft. He was accompanied by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, and members of the press.
The Pope was brought directly to the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, where he will reside during his visit.
At the Nunciature, he was welcomed not only by the Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, His Excellency Archbishop Piero Pioppo, but also by a group of 40 orphans, elderly, poor and refugees. They were accompanied by those who care for them: Dominican nuns, the Jesuit Refugee Service and the Community of Sant'Egidio.
This Apostolic Visit to to Asia and Oceania is Pope Francis' 45th Apostolic Journey abroad.
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Pope Francis is welcomed by Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
"I, on behalf of the Indonesian people, warmly welcome and express my gratitude for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Indonesia," Jokowi said at the Presidential Palace complex.
On the afternoon of September 4, he will be welcomed by the Indonesian Bishops Conference at The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, also referred to as the Jakarta Cathedral, in ceremonies to be led by Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo.
Cardinal Jose Advincula and Bishop Mylo Vergara are expected to also be in attendance.
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