Pope arrives in Muslim-majority Indonesia to start Asia-Pacific tour

FRANCE 24 English

Visit our website: http://www.france24.com  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English  Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/France24_en

Transcript

00:00It may be the world's most populous majority-Muslim country, but Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia

00:06has been much anticipated.

00:10Honestly, I have a different religion, but I like it. It means being together, the union.

00:15It means mutual respect. That's what I like. I'm pleased he's coming to Indonesia.

00:20Aged 87 and in waning health, Pope Francis has embarked on a 12-day, 32,000-kilometre

00:27tour of Southeast Asia. His first engagement will be in address to political leaders on

00:32Wednesday. One major theme will likely be climate change in a city struggling with air

00:37pollution, flooding and sinking land.

00:41I strongly support the Church bringing up more issues around pollution. That way the

00:47congregation is more aware of the importance of healthy and fresh air.

00:53And on Thursday, the pontiff will hold meetings at the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, with

00:58leaders from the country's six official religious communities, where interfaith tolerance will

01:03be high on the agenda.

01:07It is a joy for our country, especially for us Catholics. Hopefully the Pope's visit can

01:13build religious tolerance in our beloved country of Indonesia.

01:18Eight million Catholics live in Indonesia, a 97% Muslim country. As such, a major focus

01:24of the visit will be promoting dialogue between Islam and Christianity, at a time when religious

01:29animosity is on the rise in the country.

01:32While in town, the Holy Father will also say outdoor mass in a stadium of 80,000 seats.

01:37His epic voyage will then take him on to Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended