Pope Francis Announces Apostolic Journey Across Southeast Asia

Pope Francis Announces Apostolic Journey Across Southeast Asia

Pope Francis is set to embark on an Apostolic Journey spanning Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore from September 2 to 13, 2024. The Holy See Press Office disclosed the news, stating that the Pope had graciously accepted invitations extended by the Heads of State and local Church authorities.

Commencing his 43rd Apostolic Journey abroad on September 2 from Rome, Pope Francis will touch down first in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 3, where he will stay until September 6. Indonesia, known as the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, hosts a Catholic community exceeding 8 million, comprising 3.1 percent of the population.

Subsequently, the Pontiff will journey eastward to visit Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital, and Vanimo from September 6 to 9. Approximately 32 percent of Papua New Guinea’s populace embraces Catholicism, with roughly 2 million adherents.

Following this, Pope Francis will proceed to Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, for a stay from September 9 to 11. Timor-Leste boasts a predominantly Catholic population, with Catholics making up approximately 96 percent, totaling over 1 million individuals.

Lastly, the Pope will conclude his journey with a 3-day visit to Singapore from September 11 to 13. Singapore is home to a Catholic community of around 395,000, constituting approximately 3 percent of the population.