London. Pope Francis is on a long trip these days. The purpose of this trip is to celebrate religious harmony in Muslim-dominated Indonesia. There has been a plot to kill Pope Francis, who has started a marathon tour of four countries in South East Asia and South Pacific region. Indonesian police have detained seven people in connection with plotting an attack on the Pope. According to media reports, the detainees have been arrested from Jakarta, outskirts of Bogor and Bekasi, West Sumatra province and Bangka Belitung island province. Police are investigating. It is not clear yet whether the people detained have any terrorist connection or not.
Singapore has stepped up checks at immigration entry points, citing a tightening of security in the region in view of Pope Francis’ visit. Passengers arriving by land, air and sea will have to undergo security checks and allow extra time for immigration clearance, ICA said in a post in a media report.
Pope Francis arrived in the Southeast Asian country on Monday to encourage East Timor to overcome its bloody and painful past and celebrate its progress after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. Catholic-majority East Timor, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been eagerly awaiting the pope’s arrival.