Pope makes surprise visit to Asia, stops in Singapore and Indonesia

VATICAN CITY: As he embarks on the longest journey of his papacy, Pope Francis, 87, is doing what some thought was impossible – and trying to silence those who doubt his ability to carry out his duties.

The pope’s 12-day visit took him to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore The flights, which begin next week, will take 43 hours and cover 32,000 kilometres.

It would be a difficult journey for anyone, but particularly for someone who has been plagued by health problems in recent years, sparking speculation that he might step down as leader of the Catholic Church.

The trip, originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, now comes just three months before his 88th birthday.

Weeks ago, few observers believed Pope Francis was capable of making such a grueling journey, and the corridors of the Vatican were filled with concerns about his health.

Easter is the holiest week in the Christian calendar, but Pope Francis has pulled out of several events because of a lingering cold.

A few months ago, bronchitis caused him to cancel his trip to the United Nations climate talks in Dubai in December.

In June 2023, he also underwent hernia surgery and was hospitalized for 10 days.

Now some are beginning to wonder: Is it reasonable for an octogenarian to continue to maintain such a busy pace, giving 16 speeches in four countries and attending countless conferences and ceremonies?

“The pope still believes we need to go further,” a senior Vatican diplomat told AFP.

“He feels he can make the trip this year. But next year, he’s not so sure.”

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In 2013, former Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope since the Middle Ages to resign, citing failing physical and mental health, and Pope Francis has left room to follow his lead.

But the Argentine Jesuit repeatedly stressed that he was not there yet and considered travel particularly important, a cornerstone of his missionary work that prioritizes the spread of the faith.

This is Pope Francis’ 45th trip abroad. He has rediscovered his love for his parishioners, away from the Vatican bureaucracy and close to ordinary people, who seem to give him energy and motivation.