Pope Francis Begins Southeast Asia Tour

Pope Francis, at 87, embarks on a significant 12-day tour of Southeast Asia, covering approximately 33,000 km (20,500 miles) to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. This trip, which starts on September 2, is his longest yet and comes amid ongoing health concerns, including mobility issues that necessitate the use of a wheelchair. The pope aims to promote global climate action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing challenges like rising sea levels and extreme weather, particularly in vulnerable regions. His itinerary includes over 40 events, including an interfaith gathering at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque and discussions with local leaders. This trip marks Francis' 45th international journey since his election in 2013, reinforcing his commitment to outreach in places where Catholics are a minority. Observers view this journey as a demonstration of his resilience amid health challenges, continuing to shape the papacy's global presence.