Jakarta (Agencies) – Only rockstars and presidents can usually fill the Gelora Bung Karno stadium, but on Thursday it was octogenarian Pope Francis who drew more than 80,000 fans to a Catholic Mass in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

The event was the high point of the 87-year-old pope's four days in Jakarta on the first stop of a 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, with visits to Timor Leste, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.

"The Pope's presence is like Jesus' presence," said transgender woman Mami Yuli, wearing a sparkly dress and feathered headress, one of the thousands of Christians who gathered to hear the Pope's rousing homily.

"Given his important message of tolerance, we hope the church and the people can judge us positively," she added, speaking of the group that faces discrimination from religious conservatives.

"We endure a lot of pressure and that limits our movement as transwomen in Indonesia."

Catholic nuns wearing their habits, students and the elderly crowded into Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, with church officials saying 87,000 tickets for the Mass were distributed across the world's largest archipelago.

Earlier, the pontiff had visited Istiqlal Mosque to sign a declaration on tackling climate change and promoting interfaith dialogue to resolve conflict.

Christians are a small minority in Indonesia, where Muslims make up 87 percent of a population of 280 million. The country recognises six official religions, and religious freedom is enshrined in its constitution.

Speaking from a white-covered stage, with a golden cross on the backdrop, the pope urged his listeners to always strive for fraternity.

"I encourage you to sow seeds of love, confidently tread the path of dialogue, continue to show your goodness and kindness," he said. "Be builders of unity. Be builders of peace."

Francis met President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Wednesday, and urged political leaders to guard against religious extremism.

In a gesture of respect the government suggested that national broadcasters could skip airing the Islamic call to prayer on Thursday afternoon, running it on television in the text below instead, to avoid disrupting the Mass he celebrated.

"What's most important to me is that he's humble and full of joy," said Sister Maria Ambrosia, who travelled hundreds of kilometres from Sumatra to attend. "I have tons of hope and happiness."

A sea of Indonesian and Vatican flags waved by worshippers greeted him in the sweltering heat as he concluded a packed schedule in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Francis blessed several children as he toured the stadium in a tactical vehicle.

From Mass books to t-shirts, caps and rosaries, the pope's image could be seen everywhere as devotees revelled in his presence.

Those in attendance were the lucky worshippers selected to make the expedition by invites handed out to their churches.

"Viva Il Papa! Viva Papa Francesco!" the crowd chanted from the stands.

Caecilia Tutyandari, 51, waved a fan adorning the pope's face.

"I wanted to see the pope in person, it's the first time! I'm very touched," she said.

"It's a dream come true. That's why I've got lots of tissues here!" she added, laughing.

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2024/09/05/over-80000-attend-popes-mass-in-jakarta.htm