"Earlier, he said, 'I pray for you, you pray for me.' I also conveyed President Joko Widodo's greetings to the Pope and vice versa. The Pope hopes Indonesia will get better in all aspects," the minister informed on Friday.
In a short message before leaving for Papua New Guinea, the Holy Father of the Catholic community expressed the hope that Indonesia will advance in the future in all aspects.
In response, Qoumas wished the Pope a safe journey and arrival at his destination.
"Yes, he is happy to maintain peace. He said 'I am happy,'" the minister said.
According to him, the Pope's apostolic journey to Indonesia reflected the tight-knit and good relationship between the people of diverse religions in the country.
Furthermore, Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia resulted in three points of agreement with President Widodo, Qoumas said.
The three points are strengthening religious diversity, prioritizing dialogue to resolve all differences or disputes, and maintaining a green environment.
"This is the same sentence conveyed by the President and the Pope during the Grand Mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK)," Qoumas added.
The leader of the Catholic Church as well as head of the Holy See of the Vatican, Pope Francis, is currently on his apostolic journey to the Asia-Pacific, specifically Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore.
Indonesia was the first country he visited from September 3–6, 2024. Earlier, Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II had visited Indonesia in 1970 and 1989, respectively.
After Indonesia, he continued his tour to Papua New Guinea.
The 11-day trip from September 3–13 will be his longest in his 11-year papacy.
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Translator: Azmi Syamsul M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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