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JAKARTA: The Vatican's supreme leader, Pope Francis, will visit Indonesia on Sept 3, according to Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

In a statement, Yaqut said the government had received a letter from the Vatican regarding the matter.

According to him, this is an honour for the people of Indonesia and President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi, is looking forward to the Catholic supreme leader’s arrival.

"In June 2022, I delivered an invitation from President Jokowi to Pope Francis. Alhamdulillah, after almost two years of waiting, Pope Francis will finally come to Indonesia. I think this is a special gift for the Catholic community in particular," Yaqut said. 

He hopes Pope Francis will be able to see for himself the diversity and brotherhood among religious followers in the Indonesian society.

"Indonesia is able to maintain tolerance and security among adherents, including hundreds of local religious adherents," Yaqut added.