Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT FROM SINGAPORE — Pope Francis, 87, successfully completed the longest trip of his pontificate, showing remarkable energy during his 12-day visit to Asia and the Pacific. The journey from September 2-13 included stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.

The central themes of his talks were unity, respect for culture, interreligious dialogue, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship. In each country except Indonesia, his final event was a meeting with young people. Despite his age and the demanding schedule, Pope Francis appeared invigorated by these interactions.

During these gatherings with youth, he often deviated from prepared texts to engage directly with attendees. His approach included encouraging responses from the crowd with phrases like “I can’t hear you.”

This marked the 45th trip of his pontificate. It spanned predominantly Muslim Indonesia to predominantly Christian Papua New Guinea and from poverty-stricken Timor-Leste to affluent Singapore.

In Timor-Leste, which gained independence in 2002 but still faces challenges related to poverty and development, Pope Francis noted the youthful population's enthusiasm and faith. An estimated 600,000 people attended Mass with him on September 10 in Tasitolu Park; this is significant given that the country's total population is only 1.3 million people.

Pope Francis addressed key national challenges with government leaders and urged church workers to remain close to their communities. He emphasized conveying joy through ministry while acknowledging economic disparities in Indonesia.

“Some people want to deal with this” by resorting to “a law of death,” he said about Indonesia’s long-running contraceptive program aimed at limiting births.

He also visited Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque on September 5 where he signed a document with Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar committing their religious communities to defend human dignity and creation's integrity.

Recognizing Indonesia's sensitive religious landscape, Pope Francis advised church workers that sharing the Gospel should not be about converting others but living joyfully as Christians while respecting others' beliefs.

“Proclaiming the Gospel does not mean imposing our faith or placing it in opposition to that of others,” he told bishops and priests on September 4.

In Singapore on September 13, addressing young adults engaged in interreligious dialogue, he questioned divisive attitudes: “If we always say ‘My religion is more important than yours’ or ‘My religion is true and yours is not,’ where will that lead us?”

In Papua New Guinea where Christianity dominates, Pope Francis called for attention towards marginalized urban populations and remote areas lacking basic necessities. He highlighted those morally or physically wounded by prejudice or superstition as needing special closeness from the Church.

A notable part of his visit included traveling via Australian Royal Air Force to Vanimo near Papua New Guinea’s border with Indonesia on September 8. There he met missionaries from Argentina ministering in Baro.

Father Tomás Ravaioli commented on Pope Francis’ dedication: “At his age...this is an enormous sacrifice. But it shows that what he says...he also demonstrates” through service.