Pope Looks Sprightly After Health Issues as Epic Asia Trip Begins

Pope Francis began an extensive trip on Wednesday, showcasing his resilience and good spirits throughout the first full day of his journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania. This ambitious tour will cover over 20,000 miles across a span of 12 days, taking him through Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.

This expedition marks the longest and most demanding undertaking of Francis’ 11-year papacy. Despite facing health challenges in recent years and requiring a wheelchair for mobility, he is determined to continue his mission.

According to the Vatican, there are no additional measures being implemented for this journey; however, the pope has a doctor and two nurses accompanying him at all times.

During a conversation with CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell, Francis stated that retirement has never crossed his mind. He mentioned feeling “fine” even after battling the flu and undergoing two surgical procedures related to intestinal issues in the past. Notably, he lost part of his lung after surgery as a young man in Argentina, which makes him more vulnerable to respiratory conditions.

As he addressed gatherings in Indonesia, the pope condemned religious extremism, highlighting how it distorts faith through deception and violence. Speaking at a meeting with Indonesian politicians and religious leaders at the presidential palace in Jakarta, he lamented, “There are times when faith can be manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred.” He urged attendees to combat religious intolerance through meaningful dialogue.

He expressed hope that such interactions could help dispel prejudices, encouraging a culture of mutual respect and trust among different groups.

Despite being a nation known for its diversity and constitutional protection of religious freedom, Indonesia has faced challenges with rising Islamic fundamentalism and has experienced incidents of religious violence in recent years.

On the same day, Pope Francis gathered with Indonesian Catholic priests and nuns at the Jakarta cathedral, offering them encouragement and support amidst the national context where Catholics make up a small but lively minority, comprising less than 3% of the country’s population.

Looking ahead to Thursday, he is set to celebrate mass for the Indonesian Catholic community, which, despite its small size, has been growing within the Asia Pacific region, both in terms of devoted followers and vocational numbers.

Additionally, Pope Francis plans to meet with Indonesia’s leading Muslim figure to sign a joint declaration that focuses on humanitarian efforts, environmental concerns, and religious tolerance.