The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics touched down in Jakarta for a three-day visit devoted to inter-religious ties. He will then travel to Papua New Guinea, TimorLeste and Singapore.
The 12-day tour will test the pontiff's increasingly fragile health, but he is often energised by being among his flock. He emerged from the 13-hour flight smiling and waving.
"I thank you for coming on this journey, thank you for the company. I think it is the longest (flight) I have done," he told reporters aboard his chartered plane after landing, according to an AFP journalist.
He disembarked in Jakarta in a wheelchair to an honour guard, greetings by Indonesian officials, including Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and a traditional bouquet from two children.
The pontiff was then picked up from the red carpet in a civilian Toyota car, choosing a modest vehicle over one of luxury typically used by world leaders. He smiled and waved as he left for the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Jakarta.
The Pope was due to have a relaxing day in Jakarta on Sept 3 following the long flight from Rome, then meet President Joko Widodo the following day in the first major set piece of his visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.
Denne historien er fra September 04, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 04, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Maldives President reverses anti-India stance amid debt woes
Two nations chart fresh course on defence and economic cooperation during talks
VEP roll-out: Johor sees steady return of S'porean visitors after initial drop
The number of Singaporeans visiting Johor has seen a gradual improvement since the implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system on Oct 1, according to business groups.
Stronger ringgit, softer oil prices position KL to phase out fuel subsidies
Rise would be manageable for consumers if RON95 petrol price is floated now: Analyst
Indians lose $2,300 to cyber criminals every minute
Syndicates developing elaborate schemes that police are struggling to pin down
President vows to stay the course on agenda to reform healthcare
SEOUL Long overdue medical reforms are \"absolutely necessary\" to sustain South Korea's excellent medical services, says South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of the government's prolonged standoff with doctors over the issue.
South Korea to be key partner of Asean digital transformation: Yoon
Next lap of ties to focus on tech, clean energy, says South Korean leader
S'pore aims to be trusted, neutral hub in global AI development
Best of tech can be brought together to collaborate, not just to compete: Minister
FROM PARLIAMENT TO PRISON: Iswaran's fall from grace
The fall from grace of S. Iswaran was spectacular from a private plane ride and plush hotel room at the Four Seasons to a prison van and a straw mat for a bed in a single-man jail cell.
One year after Oct 7 attack: Israelis, Palestinians reflect on pain and loss as war grinds on
Hamas, Hezbollah mark anniversary by raining rockets across Israel
Iswaran starts 12-month jail term after deciding not to appeal
Former transport minister S. Iswaran arrived at the State Courts at about 3.30pm on Oct 7 for the start of his 12-month jail sentence.
