Jakarta – Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto recently shared a photo of himself shaking hands with Pope Francis at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 4.
Prabowo welcomed the distinguished guest and expressed pride in Indonesia’s diversity and harmony in his post.
“Accompanying President RI @jokowi in welcoming His Holiness Pope @franciscus, the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church and Head of State of the Vatican, to Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. Welcome to Indonesia, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Indonesia is a country blessed with diversity and harmonious life. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity),” Prabowo wrote.
President Joko Widodo introduced Prabowo as Indonesia’s 8th president-elect to Pope Francis before the handshake.
Pope Francis extended his greetings to Prabowo for his upcoming term as president in his speech.
“I send my warmest regards to the president-elect for your upcoming term of service,” Pope Francis said.
The Pope also expressed admiration for Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
“Your country’s motto, ‘unity in diversity’, literally means ‘different but still one’,” he remarked.
As part of preparations for Pope Francis’ visit, Prabowo has arranged for the use of the Maung vehicle for the Pope during his religious service at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Senayan. (RR)
