Pope's 12-Day Asia Tour Despite Health Issues

At 87, Pope Francis is embarking on his farthest journey yet, a 12-day trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, covering 32,000 kilometers. Despite recent health issues, including a flu during Easter and hernia surgery in June 2023, the Pope aims to demonstrate his capability to lead and fulfill his role. His agenda includes 43 hours of flight time, 16 speeches, and numerous meetings, echoing his commitment to spreading faith and addressing global issues like climate change. This trip, postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also includes significant interfaith engagements, such as a meeting at Indonesia's Istiqlal mosque. He will be welcomed by President Joko Widodo at a state reception on September 4 at Merdeka Palace and is expected to lead a grand mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex on September 5, with an anticipated attendance of around 90,000 Catholics.