He delivered the statement before the grand mass led by the Pope at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium here. His remarks were broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel and a videotron.
"Today, we are excited to welcome the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis. Indonesian Catholics rejoice together because they can conduct a holy mass with Pope Francis," Widodo remarked.
The Head of State emphasized the role of Catholics in maintaining national unity and spreading the values of love and tolerance amid diversity.
"Catholics in Indonesia are an important part of the nation in maintaining unity, spreading love and tolerance with other religious communities in Indonesia," he said.
He also underlined that "diversity is the wealth of the nation and tolerance is the fertilizer for unity and peace."
President Widodo closed his remarks by congratulating all Catholics attending the mass.
"I wish you a happy holy mass and hope it will be a blessing for each other," he said.
The holy mass led by the Pope was the peak of the Vatican Head of State's visit to Indonesia.
Earlier, President Widodo welcomed and greeted Pope Francis when he arrived at the GBK complex before the grand mass.
Widodo arrived first at around 3:51 p.m. local time at Gate 11 of the GBK complex, or near Madya Stadium. Not long after, the Pope arrived in a Toyota Innova Zenix with plate number SCV 1.
The two shook hands and talked for a while before parting ways.
Thereafter, the Pope rode a Maung MV3 car with an open roof to greet the people who had gathered at Madya Stadium and GBK Main Stadium.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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