Kick-off in Indonesia

Pope Francis begins longest trip abroad

All in all, the Pope, who has been in office for eleven years, will cover more than 30,000 kilometers by air on his 45th trip abroad.(Bild: AFP/AFP )

Pope Francis begins the longest foreign trip of his term of office to date on Monday. The 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church plans to visit four countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania over the next twelve days. He is expected to start off in Indonesia.

With more than 240 million Muslims, Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. Further stops include Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

Last major trip to Mongolia
The trip will focus in particular on peaceful coexistence between the different religions. In consideration of Francis' age and state of health, who is now often in a wheelchair, there will be repeated breaks. The pontiff's last major trip abroad was a year ago. Back then, he visited Mongolia.

Pope Francis is expected to start his trip in Indonesia.(Bild: AP)

30,000 kilometers by plane on 45th trip abroad
All in all, the Pope, who has been in office for eleven years, will cover more than 30,000 kilometers by air on his 45th trip abroad. He is scheduled to return to Rome on September 13. A visit to Luxembourg and Belgium is on the agenda for his next trip abroad later this month.