Excitement and Love for Pope Francis in Jakarta
Thousands of Indonesians have shown their excitement and love for Pope Francis as they wait for hours to catch a glimpse of him in Jakarta as he travels between venues during his Apostolic Journey to Indonesia.
People gathered with their cell phones ready to capture the passing convoy between the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral in Jakarta on September 4. They shouted and cheered when vehicles passed by, but fell silent when they realized these were not the ones they were waiting for. In between the waits, everyone sang together.
After enduring over 30 minutes of anticipation, the crowd erupted as they caught sight of Pope Francis in a white car passing by after a long line of black vehicles. Excited exclamations filled the air as people raised their cell phones and cameras to capture the historic moment.
Once inside the cathedral compound, the crowd rushed towards the church fence, hoping for a glimpse of the Holy Father. Among them was Lulu Sahri, who, staying put, proudly captured a photo of Pope Francis waving directly at her. A heartwarming moment she vowed to cherish forever.
Pope Francis engaged with various groups, including clergy, religious, and young people during his visit, emphasizing the importance of interreligious dialogue and peace.
Following the meaningful encounters in Jakarta, the Filipino siblings Sweet David Madrazo and Lisa David Apostol, alongside their newfound Indonesian friends Loki and Fei Ling, reflected on the significance of the Pope’s message of unity and respect among diverse faiths.
Reflecting on the Pope’s visit, Archbishop Augustinus Agus highlighted the Pope’s mission to spread peace and understanding, transcending religious boundaries. The simplicity and humility exhibited by Pope Francis resonated with many different faiths, leaving a lasting impression of brotherhood and harmony among all.
The visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia served as a powerful demonstration of mutual respect and solidarity among diverse communities, affirming his commitment to fostering peace and harmony on a global scale.
As some waited for hours under the scorching sun for a glimpse of Pope Francis, the overwhelming sense of unity and goodwill that emanated from his presence left an indelible mark on all those who were fortunate enough to witness this historic occasion.
This article was originally published on LiCAS News. All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.
