Jakarta. Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See Michael Trias Kuscahyanto recently said that the preparations for Pope Francis’ upcoming Jakarta trip had been going smoothly.  

The multifaith Indonesia is currently gearing up for Pope Francis’ visit, which is slated to take place on September 3-6.

“I believe that everything is going smoothly. Let us all pray that Pope Francis is healthy and everything goes well, that the committee’s [preparations] are going well, and that Pope Francis can travel from Rome to Jakarta safely,” Trias said in Rome.

According to Trias, the embassy is also helping with the visas for the reporters who will cover the papal visit. 

“Of course, we are taking part [in the preparations] -- although our role may not be that big -- but we also help prepare the papal visit. We also keep in touch with the Indonesian government and the Bishops’ Conference Indonesia [KWI], among others,” Trias said.

He added: “We also help those who will be on the same plane as the pope. There are around 7-9 reporters, and we make sure that they get their visas quickly.”

Trias said that Pope Francis' did not only intend to meet the Catholic community in his Jakarta visit. However, he wishes to meet all Indonesians -- regardless of their beliefs -- to bring a message of peace, according to the envoy.

This will mark the third time for Indonesia to host a papal visit. In 1970, then-President Soeharto greeted the visiting Pope Paul VI. Indonesia had a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1989.

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