Pope Francis set to travel across Asia in longest trip of papacy

Pope Francis waves as he leaves after his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square at The Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Francis will visit Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Singapore in September, the Vatican has announced, confirming the longest trip of Francis’ papacy that is sure to test his health, stamina and mobility.

The Vatican confirmed the September 2-13 visit, saying the 87-year-old pope would visit Jakarta, Indonesia; Port Moresby and Vanimo, Papua New Guinea; Dili, East Timor; and Singapore.