Skip to content

Pope Francis greets orphans and refugees in Indonesia

Pope Francis has established certain habits over the years that have become beautiful traditions.

Pope Francis has established certain habits over the years that have become beautiful traditions.

One example is his custom of praying before the image of Our Lady Protection of the Roman People (Salus Populi Romani) in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome before and after each apostolic journey.

Another of his routines, now considered a tradition, is to meet migrants, refugees or homeless people both before setting out on a journey and also upon arriving at his destination.

On Sept. 2, just before embarking on the longest and most difficult journey of his pontificate to Southeast Asia and Oceania, he received about 15 homeless people at St. Martha House accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, pontifical almoner.

On Tuesday, upon arriving at the apostolic nunciature in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, he was welcomed by a group of refugees.

Children being raised by Dominican nuns welcome the Holy Father in traditional dress. Credit: Vatican Media
Children being raised by Dominican nuns welcome the Holy Father in traditional dress. Credit: Vatican Media

According to the Holy See Press Office, these were people taken in by the Jesuit Refugee Service, among whom were orphaned children raised by Dominican nuns.

Pope Francis also greeted elderly and homeless people served by the Sant’Egidio Community of Indonesia.

Following a 13-hour flight, Pope Francis landed in Jakarta, the first destination of an 11-day trip in which he will also visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.

He will begin a full schedule in the country on Sept. 4,  with a ceremony at the presidential palace.

In the Indonesian capital, where he will remain until Sept. 6, he will also meet with the authorities, bishops and religious, participate in an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, as well as celebrate a Mass in the city stadium.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Pope Francis’ Message for Peace

Pope Francis urges personal and structural change for lasting peace in his message for the 58th World Day of Peace.

New Saints for the Digital and Social Generation: Acutis and Frassati Canonizations Set for 2025

At the June 13th Consistory, Pope Leo XIV and the cardinals announced that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized together on September 7, 2025.

Pope Francis’ Distinctive Eucharistic Piety

COMMENTARY: Although he has not celebrated Mass publicly since 2022, the Holy Father has made Eucharistic adoration a main focus.

Saint Dismas: The Leap of Faith of the Good Thief and His Encounter with Christ

Saintly Example: The good thief dies at the side of Jesus. In Catholic tradition he is known as Saint Dismas. The church considers him a saint. Jesus himself promised him paradise immediately.

Who is King Baudouin? Meet the king of the Belgians whom Pope Francis wants to canonize

Pope Francis Announces Beatification Process for Belgian King Baudouin, a Faithful Defender of Unborn Life

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com