Rested after the slower summer months, Pope Francis is embarking on the longest, arguably most grueling trip of his pontificate, a 12-day sprawling tour that will take him to four missionary countries: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
At 87, he will clock up more than 20,000 miles by air. This trip has some 40 events scheduled, from diplomatic courtesy visits to meetings with disadvantaged children, the youth, and missionaries. He will also celebrate open-air masses expected to draw tens of thousands.
The trip even brings a first for a pope who has few firsts to accomplish: it will be the first time he sets foot in Oceania.
There are major disparities between the countries Pope Francis will visit. Singapore is among the wealthiest countries in the world despite having been independent for just under 60 years and being smaller than New York City. On the other hand, in Timor and Papua New Guinea, more than 40 percent of the population lives with less than $1.90 a day.
Spiritual diversity will also be significant and have a direct impact on the crowds expected for the different events: Francis will visit the world’s largest Muslim country, Indonesia, and meet the population with the highest proportion of Catholics in the world after the Vatican, that of East Timor.
The issues also differ greatly between densely populated territories — such as Singapore or Java — and others where nature is sometimes still untouched, as on the island of Papua. The question of economic development, the role of technology, which is omnipresent in the very urban city-state of Singapore, and interreligious dialogue are among the themes the Pontiff is expected to address.
All three countries have in common the fact that the Church here is missionary: either too young, too small, or too poor to be self-sufficient.
First stop: Indonesia
Francis’s first stop will be Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country. Francis will visit Jakarta’s main mosque and is expected to tour a singular feature built-in 2020 as a symbol of religious harmony: an underground “Tunnel of Friendship” that links the mosque to the country’s Catholic cathedral.
As all the dioceses of Indonesia are young Churches, they are considered mission territories. For this reason, each year, they receive help from The Pontifical Mission Societies raised throughout the world with initiatives such as World Mission Sunday (October 20th). TPMS has supported evangelization in Indonesia in the past five years with $14 million. These funds have been used to pay for the education of 3,631 seminarians, building outpatient clinics, boarding schools for girls, buying bibles, and training catechists.
Sister Ana Emilce Parra, a Servant of the Sick and a missionary in Indonesia.
“We await the Pope with great hope and joy,” explains Sister Ana Emilce Parra, a Servant of the Sick and a missionary in Indonesia. Everything is ready: “The Jakarta cathedral was very deteriorated, and it is small because there are very few Catholics. They have been fixing it since May,” explains this 45-year-old Colombian. Signs welcoming the Holy Father are along the streets of the country’s capital. “It is quite emotional to see phrases alluding to the Pope in Jakarta.”
“The sometimes minimal presence of the Catholic Church on these Indonesian islands is of very great benefit,” explains Sister Ana Emilce. “The Catholic Church provides a great service of help, presence, teaching, health…”
Following her congregation’s charisma, most of her days are spent visiting the sick in their homes in Larantuka, and most of those whom he visits are Muslims.
In a predominantly Muslim country (only 3% of the population declares themselves Catholic), the presence of Catholics on the Indonesian islands is very heterogeneous. Many are concentrated on the Island of Flores, but according to this Servant of the Sick, there are islands where the presence is very small, sometimes even hidden. And missionaries remain with them to accompany them in their faith. “The Pope’s visit to these brothers of ours, who have kept the faith against all odds, is a gift.”
Second stop: Papua New Guinea
Close to 32% of the population of Papua New Guinea is Catholic, totaling some two million people. The Catholic Church plays a vital role in the country, providing spiritual guidance and essential services in education, healthcare, and social welfare. Despite being a minority religion, the Church’s influence extends into many aspects of daily life, fostering community development and advocating for justice and human rights.
Papua New Guinea faces significant economic challenges, with a high poverty rate affecting nearly 40% of the population. The majority of its people rely on subsistence farming, and the country struggles with limited infrastructure and access to basic services. The Catholic Church’s efforts in education and healthcare are crucial in addressing these disparities and improving the quality of life for many citizens.
Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea will a historic moment for the nation, as he brings Christ’s message of hope, faith, and solidarity to the peripheries of the Catholic world. This visit underscores his commitment to reaching out to those often overlooked. As the national director of The Pontifical Mission Societies–Papua New Guinea, Fr. Victor Roche, SVD, shared, “Pope Francis is particularly stressing those places which are on the peripheries, dioceses, and countries that are usually not recognized or remembered for any significance.”
Fr. Victor highlighted the anticipation and preparation that preceded the Pope’s visit, emphasizing the joy and surprise felt by the local Catholic community. “We are almost at the end of the world, even if we are near Australia. We are almost insignificant. But we have 19 dioceses, and we are all joyful that he will be visiting us from the 6th to the 9th of September,” he said.
Papua New Guinea grapples with significant economic challenges, with a high poverty rate affecting nearly 40% of the population. The majority of people rely on subsistence farming, and the country struggles with limited infrastructure and access to basic services.
Pittsburgh-born Bishop Donald F. Lippert anoints a parishioner during a January 2019 confirmation ceremony in Papua New Guinea, where he heads the Diocese of Mendi. (CNS photo/courtesy Diocese of Mendi)
Despite the country’s challenges, the Church remains a beacon of hope and resilience. “The Catholic churches in Papua New Guinea are full every Sunday. Close to 75-80 percent of the baptized go to church on a given Sunday,” Fr. Victor noted. The liturgies are lengthy and engaging, often lasting close to three hours, with interactive homilies that encourage participation from the congregation.
The Church’s structure relies heavily on lay leadership due to the vast and dispersed nature of the communities. Fr. Victor, for instance, manages 27 outstations, with lay leaders playing a crucial role in maintaining the Church’s activities. “We could not do any of the many things we do were it not for the lay leaders, who not only ask to be involved but who are actually involved, spearheading many initiatives,” he said.
However, the Church faces challenges, such as the attraction of other faiths and the need for better formation of lay leadership, particularly for women. “Some of the people are attracted to the faith of other churches, leaving the Catholic Church to go to Pentecostal denominations,” Fr. Roche explained. Strengthening lay leadership remains a priority to sustain the Church’s mission.
In 2023, Papua New Guinea received $473,500 from The Pontifical Mission Societies, which went to aiding various catechetical projects as well as the construction of health clinics, orphanages, and schools and the formation of priests, religious, and lay leaders. “Almost all the dioceses of Papua New Guinea receive support from The Pontifical Mission Societies. Every year I take the applications for projects, and every year, the support comes, making so much of our life a reality!” Fr. Roche stated.
Papua New Guinea’s Catholic community also contributes to the global mission of the Church through annual collections, supporting seminaries, the Missionary Childhood Association, and World Mission Sunday. During the 2023 edition of World Mission Sunday, the Church in Papua New Guinea raised over $20,000, a big effort for a country where the majority of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day. This reciprocal support highlights the unity and solidarity within the Universal Church.
The priest expected that the papal visit would bring attention to pressing social issues such as climate change, “a big concern for us, as we know that unless something changes, several of our islands will disappear in the next 50 years.” He argued that the Pope’s global influence ensures that these concerns gain visibility, advocating for urgent action to address environmental challenges.
Father Victor believes that the impact of Pope Francis’ visit will extend beyond the immediate joy and celebration, fortifying the faith of Catholics and garnering respect and curiosity from non-Catholics. Broadcasted on radio and television, even those in remote areas were expected to participate in this historic event. “The impact of the visit will be mainly on the faith of the people,” he said. But he expected it to also bring attention to the needs of the poor and marginalized.
“This visit will not only strengthen our faith in Christ but also give visibility to some of our earthly challenges.” The people of Papua New Guinea will carry the Pope’s message in their hearts, continuing their journey of faith with renewed vigor and determination.
While in Papua New Guinea, Francis will spend about three hours Sept. 8 in Vanimo and Baro, towns on the northwesternmost shore of Papua New Guinea, where roads as scarce and many parishes have little access to basic necessities. They are mostly known for two things: surfing and for being in the middle of nowhere. Alas, there are two Argentinian priests there, and Francis wants to come see what they are doing. According to Father Giorgio Licini, a PIME missionary and general secretary of the Papua New Guinea bishops’ conference, this visit was a special request from the Argentine pontiff.
Writing in Avvenire, the newspaper of the Italian bishops’ conference, Father Giorgio said Pope Francis insisted on visiting this remote area because he wanted to visit his friend, Father Martin Prado, a 35-year-old member of the Institute of the Incarnate Word from Argentina, who visited the pontiff in Rome in 2019. Since then, the two have remained pen pals, exchanging emails regularly.
Also in Vanimo is another Argentine priest, Father Miguel de la Calle.
Third stop: Timor-Leste
The Catholic Church in Timor-Leste has been a steadfast presence for over 500 years, dating back to the early Portuguese missionaries. During the Indonesian occupation and the subsequent struggle for independence, the Church played a pivotal role in unifying the people and advocating for their rights on the international stage.
Today, the Church continues to be a cornerstone of the community, providing not only spiritual guidance but also essential social services. An estimated 98% of the total population of 1.3 million is Catholic.
Timor-Leste, a young nation that gained full independence from Indonesia in 2002, faces significant economic and social challenges. The country started from a position of severe disadvantage, with much of its infrastructure destroyed in the wake of independence. High poverty rates, limited access to education, and inadequate healthcare services continue to hinder development. Despite these challenges, the Church remains a critical institution in addressing these issues and supporting the nation’s growth.
In 2023, Timor-Leste Catholics raised $3,100 during World Mission Sunday. The local Church also received $119,650 in subsidies used to build two churches and a school.
Father Juan Ángel Artiles, a Spanish missionary with the Claretians. (TPMS Spain)
Juan Ángel Artiles, a Spanish missionary with the Claretians, provided insight into the significance of this visit and the current realities faced by the Timorese people.
Timor-Leste’s path to independence was fraught with difficulties. The nation first proclaimed its independence in 1975, amidst an Indonesian invasion. However, it was not until a referendum in 1999, when the majority voted for independence, that the nation truly began its journey to sovereignty. “It is a young country,” said Artiles. “They made two official proclamations of independence, the first in 1975 and the second around the year 2000.”
The visit of Pope John Paul II during this tumultuous period was a significant event that bolstered the Church’s support for independence. “It was truly extraordinary,” Juan Ángel recalled. “The Church at that time strongly supported independence, and it’s something the people of Timor do not forget. They know that they owe their independence largely to the Catholic Church.”
Following the withdrawal of Indonesian forces, much of Timor-Leste’s infrastructure was ravaged. “In ten days, from September 4-14, 2000, practically 70% of the infrastructure was destroyed,” Juan Ángel explained. The country faced immense challenges, starting from a position “less than zero” as the missionary described it. The loss of qualified teachers and the destruction of educational infrastructure left a significant gap that needed to be filled.
The Church stepped in to provide stability and continuity. It became a crucial institution for education and social services, helping to rebuild the nation’s foundations. “The Church has been there for over 500 years,” Juan Ángel emphasized. “It has been a primary unifying factor and something that provides consistency to the country.”
In this challenging context, the Claretians have focused on supporting catechists and providing educational opportunities. Juan Ángel and his fellow missionaries work in the most mountainous region of the island, where they have established a Vocational Training Center and a Technical and Vocational Secondary School with a focus on civil construction. “We noticed that a huge percentage of people didn’t finish the educational system; they dropped out, and there was no response for them,” he explained.
The Claretians’ efforts are about education and addressing social issues, particularly gender disparities. “Our work is more social, primarily considering the reality and culture, to narrow gender disparities as much as possible and to support the development of women,” Artiles stated.
Timor-Leste’s history is marred by violence and division, and the process of reconciliation remains ongoing. “Previously, there was a group of Timorese who were not in favor of independence and carried out tremendous actions like beating people, burning houses, and murdering people,” Artiles explained. The Church plays a crucial role in promoting forgiveness and healing. “It’s a task that involves the willingness to forgive. That’s an effort, and it has to be made; it’s a personal choice, you can’t force anyone to do it.”
Evangelizing in Timor-Leste comes with its own set of physical and logistical challenges. The difficult terrain and poor infrastructure make travel arduous. Artiles, who has experienced these challenges firsthand, noted the importance of consistent presence and effort. “If someone had asked me 20 years ago what the most important thing for a missionary is, I would have made a list, and a car wouldn’t have been on it,” he said. “When you’re there, you realize that if you don’t have transportation, you can’t move around for many things.”
Despite these difficulties, the commitment to serving the local communities remains strong. “We usually have a program where we go to all the chapels to celebrate Mass once a month. This is true in both the dry and rainy seasons. You have to make the effort; you have to go.”
Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste was expected to bring renewed hope and attention to the country. “The Pope’s presence and visit will be a stimulus,” Artiles asserted. It highlights the universal nature of the Catholic Church and the interconnectedness of its members worldwide.
As Timor-Leste continues its journey of rebuilding and growth, the steadfast presence of the Church and the support of the global Catholic community remains essential. Artiles’ message to the listeners of Radio María encapsulated this spirit: “We are present in many very different places with very different social, economic, and political situations. But we are there, and we will always be there with them.”
Fourth stop: Singapore
As Cardinal William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore, wrote in Vatican News ahead of the papal visit, the story of the Church in Singapore is intricately linked to the country’s development. Up until the 1800s, Singapore was an island inhabited by fishermen. Its strategic location at the tip of the Malayan peninsula made it the interest of many regional kingdoms, including Java, Siam, India, and Malacca.
Following British colonization in 1819, the first Catholic priest reached Singapore in 1821. Father Laurent Imbert—a French missionary who would become a saint after his martyrdom in Korea—discovered Catholics already living on the island. Thereafter, French and Portuguese missionaries arrived and ministered in Singapore, planting the seeds for both faith and the Church to grow.
Today, the Church in Singapore supports 395,000 Catholics with its 29 parish churches, three devotional churches, 53 schools, 47 humanitarian organizations, and two healthcare institutions. In addition to announcing the good news of Jesus Christ, the Church continues to contribute to the social cohesiveness of Singapore through active participation in interreligious dialogue, as well as in shaping the moral fibre of our society by championing family values and the dignity of life.
In Singapore, Buddhists make up the largest religious group — about 31% — followed by 20% of the population claiming no religious belief; Christians account for almost 19% of the population and Muslims about 15%.
