Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia, kicks off ambitious Asia-Pacific tour

Francis then drove off in a waiting car, waving and smiling.

As his motorcade passed through Jakarta towards the Vatican embassy, where he is staying, small crowds of people were seen waving excitedly.

"I'm so happy, I feel so blessed," said Enny Rahail, 52, who travelled 3,000 km (1,860 miles) to Jakarta from her home in southeast Maluku before standing for two hours in mid-day heat to wave to the pope outside the embassy.

"As Indonesians we are happy because the Catholic leader comes to our country," said Enny, who called Francis an "advocate for peace" and said she cried as the pope arrived.