The Vatican has published the different mottos and logos of the next trip that Pope Francis will make to Asia and Oceania in September 2024.
Through a statement, the Press Office of the Holy See has shared the details of what will be the longest trip of Francis’ pontificate.
The Pontiff will travel to Jakarta (capital of Indonesia) from September 3 to 6; to Port Moresby (capital of Papua Guinea) and Vanimo (capital of Sandaun province, in northwestern Papua New Guinea) from the 6th to the 9th; He will also visit Dili (capital of East Timor) from September 9 to 11; and the city of Singapore from September 11 to 13.
Specifically, the Vatican has shared 4 different mottos and logos, each one intended for the different stages of this long journey that the Holy Father is expected to make upon his return in the summer.
“Faith, Fraternity and Compassion”
“Faith, Fraternity and Compassion” is the motto chosen for the historic visit that the Holy Father will make to Indonesia, from September 3 to 6.
For its part, the logo presents the image of Pope Francis blessing in front of the emblem of the golden “Garuda”, considered a sacred eagle, also reproduced in a way that is reminiscent of the traditional “batik” fabric.
On the right, under the name and coat of arms of the Holy Father, appear the flag of Indonesia, the name of the country, the date of the visit and, finally, the motto of the papal visit.
“Pray”
For your visit to Papua Guinea, from September 6 to 9, a logo has been chosen that is characterized by three elements: in the center the Cross is represented in colors that recall the sunrises and sunsets of Papua New Guinea, and also represents “ “the unique Sacrifice that opens the doors of Heaven.”
The Bird of Paradise, a symbolic element of the country, is drawn on the Cross, with the colors of the national flag inside; To the left of the vertical arm of the Cross is the motto of the Apostolic Journey: “Pray”, inspired by the disciples’ question to Jesus “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11,1), with which the Christians of the country they become interpreters for all the people when expressing their desire to learn to pray, with the guidance of the Holy Father.
“Let your faith be your culture”
Regarding his visit to East Timor, from September 9 to 11, a logo is presented with the image of Pope Francis blessing, a symbol of the protection that the Timorese people receive from God during the Apostolic Journey of the Holy Father.
Behind him is the globe, from which the physical map of East Timor emerges in the foreground. Above, in an arch, you can read the motto of the papal visit: “Que a vossa fé seja a vossa cultura ” (May your faith be your culture), an exhortation and encouragement to live faith in harmony with culture, according to the traditions of the Timorese people.
“Unity and Hope”
Finally, for the visit to Singapore from September 11 to 13, a logo is offered to depict a stylized Cross, inspired by the star that guided the Three Wise Men, the Eucharist and the five stars of the Singapore flag.
To the left and right of the Cross appears the motto of the papal visit: “Unity and Hope.” The term “unity” expresses communion and harmony among believers, both within the Church and in the context of society and family relationships.
“Hope” suggests that the Apostolic Journey will be a beacon of hope for Christians in the region, especially for those discriminated against and persecuted. The colours used are reminiscent of the flag of the Vatican City State. Under the motto appears the name of the Holy Father and, next to it, that of the country visited and the year of the visit, in red on a white background, the colours of the Singapore flag.