He said that the meeting between President Jokowi and Pope Francis is scheduled for September this year, with the Vatican head of state planning to fly to Indonesia for an official visit.
"That will be a state visit and is currently under discussion between the foreign affairs ministries of the two states," Pratikno said on Wednesday.
Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas earlier announced that Pope Francis would visit Indonesia on September 3.
He explained that the government had received a notice from the authorities of the Vatican regarding the Pope's planned visit.
"This is indeed an honor for the Indonesian nation," Qoumas said in a statement from his office on Sunday (March 31).
He added that President Jokowi has been waiting for Pope Francis to come to Indonesia.
Quomas recalled that he had personally delivered the president's letter to Francis on June 8, 2022, inviting him to visit Indonesia.
"Praise be to God, after almost two years of waiting, Pope Francis will finally visit Indonesia. I believe this will be a special moment, especially for all Catholics," the minister said.
He expressed hope that during his visit to Indonesia, Francis will personally observe and experience cultural diversity and religious harmony among various faiths in Indonesia.
"Indonesia can maintain tolerance and peace among various faiths, including local faiths. We hope Pope Francis can personally observe the diversity in Indonesia," Qoumas remarked.
According to the Vatican, Francis will also visit Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore.
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Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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