Pope Francis is gearing up for his inaugural overseas journey of the year, marking the longest voyage of his 11-year papacy. From September 2nd to the 13th, he will embark on a significant tour, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, as announced by the Vatican on Friday.
While the Asia and Oceania trip had been in the pipeline for some time, uncertainties loomed over whether the 87-year-old pontiff would undertake it, given his advancing age and a track record of canceling engagements due to health issues. His most recent international excursion was a brief visit to Marseille, France, in September, followed by a withdrawal from the COP28 climate conference in Dubai last November due to a lung ailment.
According to his spokesperson’s statement, Pope Francis is slated to spend time in Jakarta from September 3rd to the 6th, followed by visits to Port Moresby, Vanimo from September 6th to the 9th, Dili from September 9th to the 11th, and concluding his journey in Singapore from September 11th to the 13th. Notably absent from the itinerary is Vietnam, which had been under consideration as a potential additional stop during the extensive Asia and Oceania tour.
In recent months, the pontiff has grappled with intermittent health issues, including bouts of cold, bronchitis, and influenza, compounded by a knee ailment that necessitates the use of a wheelchair or cane for mobility.
Aside from his overseas ventures, Pope Francis has lined up several day trips within Italy for the year, including visits to Venice in April, Verona in May, and Trieste in July. Additionally, a trip to Belgium is on the agenda for the latter part of September, although specific dates are yet to be confirmed.
The Argentine pope, renowned as the first pontiff from the Global South, has placed a strong emphasis on fostering ties with Asia throughout his papacy. Notably, the Vatican has brokered a groundbreaking, albeit contentious, agreement with China concerning the appointment of bishops.
Indonesia, boasting the world’s largest Muslim population, with approximately 8 million Catholics constituting about 3% of the populace, serves as a significant destination on the itinerary. Meanwhile, Timor-Leste and the Philippines stand as Asia’s lone predominantly Catholic nations.
In Singapore, Catholics represent approximately 7% of residents aged 15 or older, as per a 2020 census, while Papua New Guinea boasts a Catholic population of roughly 26%, as reported in a religious freedom assessment by the U.S. State Department.
