Pope Francis greets refugee children and homeless people upon arrival in Indonesia

Although without leaving aside the “surprise factor” so characteristic of his Pontificate, Pope Francis has established certain habits over the years that over time have become beautiful traditions.

An example of this is the custom he has of visiting the Virgin Salvation of the Roman People of the Basilica of Santa María Maggiore in Rome before and after each Apostolic Journey.

Another of his routines, already considered a tradition, is to meet migrants, refugees or homeless people before setting off on a trip and also upon arriving at his destination.

Without going any further, on the afternoon of yesterday, September 2, shortly before embarking on the longest and hardest trip of his Pontificate to Asia and Oceania, he received about 15 homeless people at Casa Santa Marta accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. , Pontifical Almoner.

Also today, upon arriving at the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, he was received by a group of refugees.

According to the Press Office of the Holy See, these were people welcomed by the Jesuit Refugee Service, among whom were orphaned children raised by Dominican nuns.

Pope Francis also greeted elderly and homeless people accompanied by the Community of Sant’Egidio from Indonesia.

After a 13-hour flight, Pope Francis landed this morning in Jakarta, the first destination of an 11-day trip in which he will also visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

His busy schedule will start tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4, with a ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

In the capital of Indonesia, where he will remain until the 6th, he will also hold a meeting with the authorities, meet with bishops and religious, participate in an interreligious meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque and preside over a Holy Mass in the city stadium.