Ahead of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore, the Vatican releases the official logos and mottos for these visits, offering a glimpse into the Pope’s longest-ever journey.
By Joseph Tulloch
VATICAN CITY — The Holy See Press Office has released the official logos and mottos for the Pope’s upcoming visit to Asia.
The Pope’s journey to the continent – which will include stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore – is scheduled to take place on September 2-13, 2024.
First stop: Indonesia
Pope Francis will land in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 3, remaining until the 6th.
The logo for this visit features the Pope with his hand raised in blessing, standing in front of a golden “Garuda”, a sacred eagle, which has been depicted in a manner reminiscent of traditional Indonesian “batik” fabric.
Inlaid is a map of Indonesia, an archipelago characterized by a great variety of ethnic and social groups, languages, cultures and religious beliefs.
The Apostolic Journey has been given the motto ‘Faith – Fraternity – Compassion’.
Papua New Guinea: “Teach us to pray”
Next, the Pope will travel to Papua New Guinea, where he will remain until September 9.
The centrepiece of the logo for this visit is a cross, depicted in colours meant to evoke Papua New Guinea’s sunrises and sunsets.
On the cross, a Bird of Paradise, symbolising Papua New Guinea, can be seen.
The motto for this Apostolic Journey is “Pray”, inspired by the disciples’ request to Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11:1).
Timor-Leste and the value of inculturation
From Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis will travel to Timor Leste, remaining until September 11.
In the centre of the logo for this journey, we see Pope Francis with his hand raised in blessing. Behind him is the globe, from which a map of Timor Leste emerges.
Above, written in an arc, is the motto of the papal visit, “May your faith be your culture”, an exhortation to the Timorese people to live out their faith according to their culture and traditions.
Singapore: Hope for the region’s Christians
The Pope’s final stop will be the island nation of Singapore, which he will visit on September 11-13.
The logo for this Apostolic Journey depicts a stylized cross, inspired by the star that guided the Magi, by the Eucharist and by the five stars of the flag of Singapore.
On either side of the Cross is the motto of the Apostolic Journey: “Unity—Hope.”
“Unity” expresses communion and harmony among believers, both within the Church and in the context of society and family relations.
“Hope,” meanwhile, suggests that the Apostolic Journey will be a beacon of hope for Christians in the region, especially for those who experience discrimination and persecution.
