On his flight to Indonesia, the first stop of an extensive apostolic journey that runs from September 2 to 13, Pope Francis addressed the journalists accompanying him on his 45th international trip. This itinerary will take him to several countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. With the warmth that characterizes him, the Pope expressed his gratitude to the 80 journalists from different parts of the world who are covering this mission, highlighting that this is the longest trip of his pontificate.

Acknowledgements and Symbolic Gifts

Pope Francis, known for his closeness and openness, dedicated a special moment to greet each of the journalists on board the Ita Airways plane. Taking the microphone at the back of the plane, he thanked the reporters for their company on this very significant trip. During this meeting, the journalists took the opportunity to give him various gifts full of symbolism.

One of the most notable gifts was a reproduction of a stele from Xian, given by the journalist Stefania Falasca. This stele, dating from the year 635, is a historical testimony of the evangelization in China by the Persian missionary Aluoben, who brought the message of the Gospel to that country. The Pope, known for his interest and affection for China, received the gift with particular emotion, recognizing the historical and spiritual importance of this gift.

The Tragedy of Migration Reflected in a Gift

In addition, Francis received two more gifts that echoed the migratory drama that has moved the world. Clément Melki, correspondent for the AFP agency, gave the Pope a torch used by refugees on the open sea to guide their way or to be rescued during a shipwreck. This gesture resonated deeply in the heart of the Pope, who has been a constant defender of the rights of migrants and refugees.

A Tribute to an Innocent Victim

Another emotional delivery was made by journalist Eva Fernández, from Radio Cope, who carried a moving message from the family of Mateo, an 11-year-old boy murdered in a small town in Toledo, Spain. Amid a tragic confusion where some politicians attributed the crime to local immigrants, the boy’s family always denied those accusations. Eva gave the Pope Mateo’s red soccer jersey with the number 11, along with a letter from the boy’s mother. Francis, moved by the story, blessed the jersey and kept the letter next to his chest, in a gesture of solidarity and compassion towards the affected family.

With these moments of profound humanity, Pope Francis began his longest journey to date, a pilgrimage that will cover some 33 thousand kilometers, taking his message of peace and hope to different corners of the world.