Pope to visit Indonesia, PNG, East Timor, Singapore in September

The visit has been on the cards for months, but the pontiff’s health issues had raised questions on whether it would go ahead.

The pontiff, who uses a wheelchair, has suffered increasing health problems in recent years, from knee pain to surgery for a hernia and on his colon.

He is known for his work ethic – he never takes holidays – but has been forced to make concessions to his age and health, including cancelling a trip to UN climate talks in Dubai last year.

Involving more than 30 hours of flight, an eight-hour time difference and a series of meetings and masses, the September trip will represent a major physical challenge.

The government in Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, had already announced the pope’s visit last month, describing it as a “special gift” for the country’s Catholics.

In a statement Friday, its foreign ministry said the visit was important “for all religious communities”.

“The visit is also expected to strengthen the message of tolerance, unity and world peace.”