Pope Francis is set to embark on the longest and most challenging journey of his papacy, a 32,814-kilometer (20,390-mile) trip across Asia and Oceania.
The 11-day tour, running from September 2 to September 13, will include visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
This historic journey is notable not only for its length but also for the duration of the trip, making it the most extensive journey in terms of days traveled by a pope.
At 88 years old, and despite his use of a wheelchair and recent health issues that led to the cancellation of his Dubai trip, Pope Francis remains determined to undertake this ambitious journey. The trip, initially scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to his commitment.
To support him on this significant journey, the Pope is accompanied by his personal secretaries, a doctor, and two nurses, in addition to the usual Vatican delegation of cardinals, bishops, and security personnel.
The tour’s goals are diverse: fostering interreligious dialogue, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of economic development, and addressing environmental issues in vulnerable regions.
This journey mirrors the travels of St. John Paul II, who visited all four destinations during his papacy, highlighting the importance of Asia to the Catholic Church. The region is among the few where the church is seeing growth in both baptized faithful and religious vocations.
In Indonesia, Pope Francis will visit the “Tunnel of Friendship,” a symbolic connection between Jakarta’s main mosque and the nearby Catholic cathedral, underscoring religious tolerance.
In Papua New Guinea, his visit will shine a light on the environmental and social issues faced by the island’s remote and impoverished communities.
In East Timor, he will celebrate Mass at the same location visited by John Paul II in 1989, a significant moment in the country’s struggle for independence.
Lastly, in Singapore, Pope Francis will have the opportunity to address China, as the Vatican seeks to enhance relations with Beijing.
