--- title: Why Pope Francis Is Visiting Asia description: Among his stops are Indonesia—the largest Muslim-majority country—and Singapore, which some view as an intermediary for China outreach. canonical: https://time.com/7016902/pope-francis-asia-indonesia-papua-new-guinea-timor-leste-singapore/ author: Koh Ewe article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2024-09-03T10:15:00.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-02-24T18:13:55.151Z article:section: World og:title: Why Pope Francis Is Visiting Asia og:description: Among his stops are Indonesia—the largest Muslim-majority country—and Singapore, which some view as an intermediary for China outreach. og:url: https://time.com/7016902/pope-francis-asia-indonesia-papua-new-guinea-timor-leste-singapore/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt348c15f1b084f656/698a5a72b3fce385890cd8df/pope-francis-indonesia-singapore-trip.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: Pope Francis Visits Indonesia Papua New Guinea Timor-Leste Singapore og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Why Pope Francis Is Visiting Asia twitter:description: Among his stops are Indonesia—the largest Muslim-majority country—and Singapore, which some view as an intermediary for China outreach. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt348c15f1b084f656/698a5a72b3fce385890cd8df/pope-francis-indonesia-singapore-trip.jpg?branch=production&width=2400&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # What to Know About Pope Francis’ Historic Asia Trip > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=4422c54e-96b6-455d-ad10-2620629a8c4d&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [Koh Ewe](https://time.com/author/koh-ewe/) ## Koh Ewe Koh Ewe (Koyu) was a reporter for TIME based in Singapore. Sep 3, 2024 10:15 AM UTC  Pope Francis is welcomed at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia on Sept. 3, 2024. Pope Francis is welcomed at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia on Sept. 3, 2024.Vatican Media/Getty Images by [Koh Ewe](https://time.com/author/koh-ewe/) ## Koh Ewe Koh Ewe (Koyu) was a reporter for TIME based in Singapore. Sep 3, 2024 10:15 AM UTC Pope Francis has embarked on the 45th and longest overseas trip of his papacy, touching down Tuesday in Jakarta, Indonesia for the start of a busy 12 days of activities, despite concerns about the 87-year-old Catholic leader’s deteriorating health. “Please pray that this journey may bear fruit,” he [posted](https://x.com/Pontifex/status/1830568858605977619) on X on Monday announcing the start of the “Apostolic Journey,” which had originally been scheduled for 2020 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Francis’ first stop on the journey, in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country where about 87 percent of the population practice Islam, reflects his enduring efforts through his visits across the world to reach out to Catholics in regions where they are minorities and to foster interfaith cooperation. Indonesia’s eight million Catholics make up just 3 percent of the population. “There are not many Catholics in Indonesia, so it shows that we are being acknowledged and we are being counted,” a local told [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/2/im-so-happy-indonesia-prepares-for-first-papal-visit-since-1989#:~:text=After%20arriving%20in%20Jakarta%20on,a%20symbol%20of%20interfaith%20cooperation.). “It shows we have a role to play in Indonesia.” After meeting with Indonesian [outgoing President Joko Widodo](https://time.com/7015043/indonesia-new-capital-nusantara-construction-jokowi-legacy-limbo/) as well as representatives from civil society and local clergy on Wednesday, Francis is expected to hold a mass for some 70,000 people at a stadium on Thursday. The pope also plans to attend a meeting with other religious leaders on Thursday in Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque. The mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, is connected to the capital’s main Catholic cathedral via an underground “tunnel of friendship,” built in 2020 as a symbol of religious harmony. Francis will sign an interfaith declaration with Nasaruddin Umar, the grand imam of Istiqlal Mosque. Umar told the [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-pope-francis-visit-istiqlal-mosque-51f7ae0b6be2883faf805adf90a68e4c) that he and Francis will “discuss the common ground between religious communities and emphasize the commonalities between religions, ethnicities and beliefs.” Umar also said that the choice to make Indonesia the pope’s first stop makes “the Muslim community proud.” In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to visit the Arabian Peninsula, where, together with the grand imam of al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, he [signed](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/04/pope-and-grand-imam-sign-historic-pledge-of-fraternity-in-uae) a historic interfaith document and pledged to work together to tackle extremism. In 2021, Francis [met](https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-islamic-state-group-ali-al-sistani-pope-francis-iraq-f95098b179f6a82157e87a7cb6cc0c3d) with Iraq’s top cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani andattended a gathering of religious leaders—a rare display of unity given the country’s long-standing divisions among religious and ethnic groups. For the current visit to Jakarta, there are also hopes that Francis, who has been outspoken about climate efforts, will promote environmental protection. Indonesian authorities have long dragged their feet on effectively tackling the problem of [air pollution](https://time.com/6305644/indonesia-air-pollution-jakarta-smog-jokowi-cough/) in the capital city. Ahead of his trip, Francis [urged](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-says-earth-is-sick-new-climate-change-warning-2024-08-30/#:~:text=In%20his%20video%2C%20Francis%20said,drought%2C%22%20the%20pope%20said.) people in his monthly video message to commit to protecting the environment, describing the Earth as a “sick” planet. “The visit of the pope is great because it provides a sounding board,” air pollution expert Piotr Jakubowski told the [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-visit-indonesia-asia-05c710ad993231bd8840c75f959f2b05), “from another, very well-respected world leader.” Continuing his journey through Asia, on Friday, Francis is expected to arrive in Papua New Guinea, a small Pacific island nation where nearly all of its citizens [identify](https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/papua-new-guinea/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20government%20estimates%20the,of%20citizens%20identify%20as%20Christian.) as Christian and about 26% of the population are Roman Catholic. There, the pope will [meet](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2024/outside/documents/indonesia-papuanuovaguinea-timorest-singapore-2024.html) with local bishops and priests as well as missionaries. He will then make his way to Timor-Leste, the region’s youngest nation—it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002—where [97.5%](https://preview.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/547499-TIMOR-LESTE-2023-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf) of the population is Catholic. The last stop on Francis’ itinerary is Singapore. While only 19% of Singapore’s population [identify](https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/visualising%5Fdata/infographics/c2020/c2020-religion.pdf) as Christian—among them, about [a third](https://www.singstat.gov.sg/-/media/files/publications/cop2020/sr1/cop2020sr1.ashx) are Catholics—Francis’ visit to the city-state, which has a majority ethnic Chinese population and balances good ties with both China and the U.S., has been [interpreted](https://apnews.com/article/pope-asia-indonesia-timor-singapore-china-19930e8f324ffc7f0c59ce30ab995585) by some as part of the Vatican’s sustained efforts to warm relations with China. During his [visit](https://apnews.com/article/mongolia-pope-russia-pope-1d7cf3a3987b3565d00d0d8f5b43182c) to Mongolia last year, Francis took the opportunity to send his well wishes to the Chinese people. And in May, the Vatican announced its intentions to [establish](https://www.reuters.com/world/vatican-wants-upgrade-relations-with-china-top-cardinal-says-2024-05-21/) a permanent office in China, home to millions of Catholics. As a result of tensions surrounding the appointment of bishops and the Holy See’s ties with Taiwan, no pope has ever visited China. This [packed Asia trip](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2024/outside/documents/indonesia-papuanuovaguinea-timorest-singapore-2024.html) is an ambitious one for the pope, whose ailing health has in recent years caused him to cut down on some of his public engagements. Francis, who lost part of his lung to an infection when he was younger, has in recent years [undergone](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251307/pope-francis-health-heres-a-timeline) intestinal surgeries and suffered from mobility issues. Over the past year, he has battled bouts of bronchitis and influenza. Nevertheless, he is already planning his next trip—to [Belgium and Luxembourg](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-07/pope-francis-programme-for-visit-to-belgium-and-luxembourg.html) later this month. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/7016902/pope-francis-asia-indonesia-papua-new-guinea-timor-leste-singapore/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/7016902/pope-francis-asia-indonesia-papua-new-guinea-timor-leste-singapore/"},"headline":"What to Know About Pope Francis’ Historic Asia Trip","datePublished":"2024-09-03T10:15:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-02-24T18:13:55.151Z","description":"Among his stops are Indonesia—the largest Muslim-majority country—and Singapore, which some view as an intermediary for China outreach.","url":"https://time.com/7016902/pope-francis-asia-indonesia-papua-new-guinea-timor-leste-singapore/","keywords":["vatican city","overnight","News Desk"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt348c15f1b084f656/698a5a72b3fce385890cd8df/pope-francis-indonesia-singapore-trip.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Koh Ewe","jobTitle":"Koh Ewe (Koyu) was a reporter for TIME based in Singapore.","url":"https://time.com/author/koh-ewe/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt348c15f1b084f656/698a5a72b3fce385890cd8df/pope-francis-indonesia-singapore-trip.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Pope Francis Visits Indonesia Papua New Guinea Timor-Leste Singapore","caption":"Pope Francis is welcomed as he arrives at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept. 3, 2024.","creditText":"Vatican Media/Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/vatican-city/","name":"vatican city"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/7016902/pope-francis-asia-indonesia-papua-new-guinea-timor-leste-singapore/","name":"What to Know About Pope Francis’ Historic Asia Trip"}}]}] ```