Pope Francis recently completed an extensive 11-day trip through Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, covering nearly 33,000 kilometers in air travel alone. Despite being 87 years old and facing health challenges like bad knees and sciatica, Pope Francis appeared to thoroughly enjoy the journey, interacting with large crowds and engaging in spontaneous moments.
In East Timor, with a crowd of 600,000 people, Francis marveled at the children and emphasized the importance of teaching children to smile for a brighter future. Throughout his trip, Pope Francis demonstrated his affinity for connecting with individuals on a personal level, particularly young people and local clergy, where he often set aside his prepared speeches to engage in unscripted conversations.
Pope Francis’s visit to various countries in Asia showcased his willingness to go off-script and address pressing issues. In Indonesia, despite walking on delicate ground due to the country’s predominantly Muslim population, he humorously commented on birth rates. In Papua New Guinea, he overcame physical obstacles by improvising to reach a remote jungle outpost, underscoring his determination to connect with all communities.
During his visit to East Timor, despite the sensitive issue surrounding Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of protecting children from abuse without directly mentioning Belo’s name. In Singapore, his final stop, he encouraged young people to embrace courage and take risks, emphasizing the vitality of moving forward and not being afraid to make mistakes.
Despite his age and health concerns, Pope Francis demonstrated resilience and a genuine enthusiasm for engaging with people during his journey through various Asian countries. His ability to connect authentically with individuals from all walks of life reaffirms his commitment to spreading messages of hope, compassion, and inclusivity.
