Pope Francis to Embark on Tour of Four Countries in Asia and Oceania

by Hwang Seoyul

Published 02 Sep.2024 21:56(KST)

Pope Francis is beginning a tour of four countries in Asia and Oceania. It is the longest itinerary in terms of duration and distance since his ascension in 2013.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 2nd (local time), the Pope will depart from Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, to start his tour of four countries in Asia and Oceania.

He will arrive in Indonesia on the 3rd, then visit Papua New Guinea and East Timor, concluding all events on the 13th in Singapore. The total itinerary spans 12 days, covering a flight distance of 32,814 km.

This overseas pastoral visit, the 45th since his ascension in 2013, is the longest in both duration and distance during Pope Francis’s papacy.

The Pope will celebrate outdoor Masses in the four countries, with over 40 scheduled events. This is a challenging schedule for the Pope, who will turn 88 this December.

Pope Francis had part of his lung removed during his teenage years and experiences difficulty walking due to knee and back pain. Last December, he canceled his attendance at the United Nations Climate Conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to bronchitis.

According to major foreign media, a medical team consisting of two members?a personal doctor and a nurse?will accompany the Pope on his tour.

The motto for this apostolic journey is as follows: ▲ Faith, fraternity, and compassion (Indonesia) ▲ Prayer (Papua New Guinea) ▲ Indigenous culture and tradition (East Timor) ▲ Unity and hope (Singapore).

The Pope is expected to meet and comfort those who face discrimination due to their faith while living among diverse races, cultures, and religious beliefs, emphasizing dialogue and reconciliation.