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87 and hobbled, Pope Francis goes off-script in Asia and reminds world he can still draw a crowd

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87 and hobbled, Pope Francis goes off-script in Asia and reminds world he can still draw a crowd
News

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87 and hobbled, Pope Francis goes off-script in Asia and reminds world he can still draw a crowd

2024-09-15 19:02 Last Updated At:19:11

DILI, East Timor (AP) — It was the farthest trip of his pontificate and one of the longest papal trips ever in terms of days on the road and distance traveled. But Pope Francis, age 87, hobbled by bad knees and bent over with sciatica, appeared to be having the time of his life.

With half of East Timor’s population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn’t help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and the field was lit by cellphone screens.

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Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning. "That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then launching into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning. "That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then launching into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The holy communion is given to the faithful during a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' presided over by Pope Francis and celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The holy communion is given to the faithful during a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' presided over by Pope Francis and celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The faithful follow Pope Francis presiding over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In the farthest trip of his pontificate and one of the longest papal trips ever in terms of days on the road and distance traveled, Pope Francis, age 87, hobbled by bad knees and bent over with sciatica, appeared to be having the time of his life. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The faithful follow Pope Francis presiding over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In the farthest trip of his pontificate and one of the longest papal trips ever in terms of days on the road and distance traveled, Pope Francis, age 87, hobbled by bad knees and bent over with sciatica, appeared to be having the time of his life. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis presides over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis presides over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the Changi airport to depart from Singapore at the end of his visit, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks.(AP Photo/Suhaimi Abdullah)

Pope Francis arrives at the Changi airport to depart from Singapore at the end of his visit, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks.(AP Photo/Suhaimi Abdullah)

Airport staff wave to an airplane that Pope Francis aboard at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Airport staff wave to an airplane that Pope Francis aboard at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis looks at traditional dancers as he arrives at the Centro de Convenções in Díli, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, for a meeting with young people. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue of his trip to Asia and Oceania clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis looks at traditional dancers as he arrives at the Centro de Convenções in Díli, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, for a meeting with young people. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue of his trip to Asia and Oceania clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

A catholic faithful holds a crucifix during the holy mass presided over by Pope Francis at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a crucifix during the holy mass presided over by Pope Francis at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Faithful use umbrellas with the colors of the Vatican flag to shield themselves from the sun as they wait for a mass presided over by Pope Francis to start in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful use umbrellas with the colors of the Vatican flag to shield themselves from the sun as they wait for a mass presided over by Pope Francis to start in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits with him during a welcoming ceremony upon meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits with him during a welcoming ceremony upon meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, sit as they attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, sit as they attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis greets youths in traditional dress as East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta looks on during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis greets youths in traditional dress as East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta looks on during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding his visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding his visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, left, meets with indigenous people at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, left, meets with indigenous people at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis wears a traditional hat during a meeting with faithful in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis wears a traditional hat during a meeting with faithful in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, bids farewell to The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in the most delicate moment of his Asian trip in Jakarta, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, bids farewell to The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in the most delicate moment of his Asian trip in Jakarta, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, bids farewell to Pope Francis, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in Jakarta, the most delicate moment of his 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, bids farewell to Pope Francis, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in Jakarta, the most delicate moment of his 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves as he's driven through a crowd of estimated 600,000 people after presiding over a mass in the seaside park of Tasitolu near Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and the field was lit by cellphone screens. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis waves as he's driven through a crowd of estimated 600,000 people after presiding over a mass in the seaside park of Tasitolu near Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and the field was lit by cellphone screens. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 11-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Francis went rogue plenty of times in Asia, and at the in-flight press conference coming back to Rome, he urged American Catholics to vote for who they thought was the "lesser evil" for president. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 11-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Francis went rogue plenty of times in Asia, and at the in-flight press conference coming back to Rome, he urged American Catholics to vote for who they thought was the "lesser evil" for president. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

People pray during a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People pray during a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

A woman stands as Pope Francis gives an address during a meeting in the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

A woman stands as Pope Francis gives an address during a meeting in the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis is welcomed by Indonesia's Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, center, soon after landing at Jakarta's International airport Soekarno Hatta, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is welcomed by Indonesia's Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, center, soon after landing at Jakarta's International airport Soekarno Hatta, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis interacts with the young people of Scholas Occurrentes at Grha Pemuda Youth Center in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool)

Pope Francis interacts with the young people of Scholas Occurrentes at Grha Pemuda Youth Center in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool)

It was late, the heat and humidity had turned Tasitolu park into something of a sauna, and most of the journalists had already gone back to their air-conditioned hotel to watch the Mass on TV. But there was Francis, defying the doubters who had questioned if he could, would or should make such an arduous trip to Asia given everything that could go wrong.

“How many children you have!” Francis marveled to the crowd of 600,000, which amounted to the biggest-ever turnout for a papal event as a proportion of the population. “A people that teaches its children to smile is a people that has a future.”

The moment seemed to serve as proof that, despite his age, ailments and seven hours of jet lag, Pope Francis still could pope, still likes to pope and has it in him to pope like he used to at the start of his pontificate.

That’s never truer than when he’s in his element: in the peripheries of the world, among people forgotten by the big powers, where he can go off-script to respond to the spirit of the moment.

And it was certainly the case on his 11-day trip through Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, during which he clocked nearly 33,000 kilometers (20,505 miles) in air travel alone. It was a trip that he had originally planned to make in 2020 but COVID-19 intervened.

Four years and a handful of hospitalizations later (for intestinal and pulmonary problems), Francis finally pulled it off. He seemed to relish getting out of the Vatican and away from the weighty grind of the Holy See after being cooped up all year, much of it battling a long bout of bronchitis.

Francis does tend to rally during foreign trips, though he usually sticks to a script when he’s in the protocol meetings with heads of state, dutifully delivering speeches that were written in advance by Vatican diplomats.

But when he’s meeting with young people or local priests and nuns, he tends to show his true colors. He’ll ditch his prepared remarks and speak off-the-cuff, often engaging in back-and-forth banter with the faithful to make sure his message has stuck.

Doing so thrills the crowd, terrorizes his translators and complicates the work of journalists, but you always know Francis is enjoying himself and feels energized when he goes rogue. And he went rogue plenty of times in Asia — and on the in-flight press conference coming back to Rome, during which he urged American Catholics to vote for who they think is the “lesser evil” for president.

Francis started in Indonesia, arguably the most delicate destination on his itinerary given the country is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. The Vatican would be loathe to say or do anything that might cause offense.

And yet from his very first encounter with President Joko Widodo, Francis appeared in a feisty mood, praising Indonesia’s relatively high birthrate while lamenting that in the West, “some prefer a cat or a little dog.”

Francis has frequently made the same demographic quip at home in Italy, which has one of the world’s lowest birthrates. But the high-profile trip meant that his trademark sarcasm got amplified. American commentators immediately assumed Francis had entered the “childless cat ladies” debate roiling U.S. politics, but there was no indication he had JD Vance in mind.

Even in the most delicate moment in Jakarta, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude.

In Papua New Guinea, Francis was similarly jazzed after pulling off a visit to a remote jungle outpost that had seemed impossible for him to reach: The airport in Vanimo, population 11,000, doesn’t have an ambulift wheelchair elevator that Francis now needs to get on and off planes, and bringing one in just for him was out of the question.

The stubborn pope, who really, really wanted to go to Vanimo, ended up rolling on and off the back ramp of a C-130 cargo plane that Australia had offered to get him, and the metric ton of medicine and other supplies he brought with him, to the town.

Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. They decorated the simple stage in front of the church with a statue of Argentina’s beloved Virgin of Lujan, to whom Francis is particularly devoted, and had a gourd of mate, the Argentine tea, waiting for him.

In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. The Vatican revealed in 2022 that it had sanctioned Belo, who now lives in Portugal, for having sexually abused young boys and ordered him to cease contact with East Timor.

Francis didn’t mention Belo by name and didn’t meet with his victims, but he did reaffirm the need to protect children from “abuse." There was nary a mention of Belo’s name in any official speech during a visit in which East Timor’s traumatic history and independence fight were repeatedly evoked.

In Singapore, his final stop, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning.

“That’s the talk I prepared,” he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks.

“What’s worse: Make a mistake because I take a certain path, or not make a mistake and stay home?” he asked them.

He answered his own question, with a response that could explain his own risky decision to embark on the Asia trip in the first place.

“A young person who doesn’t take a risk, who is afraid of making a mistake, is an old person,” the 87-year-old pope said.

“I hope all of you go forward,” he said. “Don’t go back. Don’t go back. Take risks.”

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning. "That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then launching into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting with young people at the Catholic Junior College in Singapore, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning. "That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then launching into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The holy communion is given to the faithful during a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' presided over by Pope Francis and celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The holy communion is given to the faithful during a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' presided over by Pope Francis and celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The faithful follow Pope Francis presiding over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In the farthest trip of his pontificate and one of the longest papal trips ever in terms of days on the road and distance traveled, Pope Francis, age 87, hobbled by bad knees and bent over with sciatica, appeared to be having the time of his life. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The faithful follow Pope Francis presiding over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In the farthest trip of his pontificate and one of the longest papal trips ever in terms of days on the road and distance traveled, Pope Francis, age 87, hobbled by bad knees and bent over with sciatica, appeared to be having the time of his life. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis presides over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis presides over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh Seng Chye at the Singapore SportsHub National Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the Changi airport to depart from Singapore at the end of his visit, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks.(AP Photo/Suhaimi Abdullah)

Pope Francis arrives at the Changi airport to depart from Singapore at the end of his visit, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. In Singapore, his final stop of an 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, Francis once again ditched his remarks when he arrived at the last event, a meeting of Singaporean youth on Friday morning."That's the talk I prepared," he said, pointing to his speech and then proceeding to launch into a spontaneous back-and-forth with the young people about the need to have courage and take risks.(AP Photo/Suhaimi Abdullah)

Airport staff wave to an airplane that Pope Francis aboard at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Airport staff wave to an airplane that Pope Francis aboard at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis looks at traditional dancers as he arrives at the Centro de Convenções in Díli, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, for a meeting with young people. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue of his trip to Asia and Oceania clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis looks at traditional dancers as he arrives at the Centro de Convenções in Díli, East Timor, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, for a meeting with young people. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue of his trip to Asia and Oceania clouding the visit: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

A catholic faithful holds a crucifix during the holy mass presided over by Pope Francis at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a crucifix during the holy mass presided over by Pope Francis at Tasitolu Park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and cellphone screens lighted the field. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Faithful use umbrellas with the colors of the Vatican flag to shield themselves from the sun as they wait for a mass presided over by Pope Francis to start in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful use umbrellas with the colors of the Vatican flag to shield themselves from the sun as they wait for a mass presided over by Pope Francis to start in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits with him during a welcoming ceremony upon meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits with him during a welcoming ceremony upon meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, sit as they attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, sit as they attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis greets youths in traditional dress as East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta looks on during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis greets youths in traditional dress as East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta looks on during a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding the visit to Asia and Oceania : the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding his visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. In East Timor Francis had to negotiate perhaps the most sensitive issue clouding his visit to Asia and Oceania: the case of Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the revered national hero who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent independence campaign. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, left, meets with indigenous people at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, left, meets with indigenous people at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis wears a traditional hat during a meeting with faithful in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis wears a traditional hat during a meeting with faithful in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. Despite the considerable security concerns of entering a region torn by tribal rivalries, Francis seemed to relish the jungle visit, perhaps because he felt so much at home. A dozen Argentine missionary priests and nuns have lived in Vanimo with the local community for years and had invited him to come. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, bids farewell to The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in the most delicate moment of his Asian trip in Jakarta, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis, bids farewell to The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in the most delicate moment of his Asian trip in Jakarta, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, bids farewell to Pope Francis, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in Jakarta, the most delicate moment of his 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, left, bids farewell to Pope Francis, as he leaves after signing the "Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024" at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Even in Jakarta, the most delicate moment of his 11-day trip to Asia and Oceania, at Southeast Asia's biggest mosque, Francis threw protocol aside and kissed the hand of the grand imam and brought it to his cheek in gratitude.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves as he's driven through a crowd of estimated 600,000 people after presiding over a mass in the seaside park of Tasitolu near Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and the field was lit by cellphone screens. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis waves as he's driven through a crowd of estimated 600,000 people after presiding over a mass in the seaside park of Tasitolu near Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. With half of East Timor's population gathered at a seaside park, Francis couldn't help but oblige them with a final good night and languid loops in his popemobile, long after the sun had set and the field was lit by cellphone screens. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 11-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Francis went rogue plenty of times in Asia, and at the in-flight press conference coming back to Rome, he urged American Catholics to vote for who they thought was the "lesser evil" for president. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis holds a news conference aboard the papal plane on his flight back after his 11-day journey across Southeast Asia and Oceania, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Francis went rogue plenty of times in Asia, and at the in-flight press conference coming back to Rome, he urged American Catholics to vote for who they thought was the "lesser evil" for president. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

People pray during a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People pray during a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

A woman stands as Pope Francis gives an address during a meeting in the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

A woman stands as Pope Francis gives an address during a meeting in the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis is welcomed by Indonesia's Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, center, soon after landing at Jakarta's International airport Soekarno Hatta, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is welcomed by Indonesia's Minister for Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, center, soon after landing at Jakarta's International airport Soekarno Hatta, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the Holy Trinity Humanistic School in Baro, near Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis interacts with the young people of Scholas Occurrentes at Grha Pemuda Youth Center in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool)

Pope Francis interacts with the young people of Scholas Occurrentes at Grha Pemuda Youth Center in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, Pool)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in as the 47th president on Monday, taking charge as Republicans assume unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country's institutions.

Trump is expected to act swiftly after the ceremony, with executive orders already prepared for his signature to jumpstart deportations, increase fossil fuel development and reduce civil service protections for government workers, promising that his term will bring about “a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride.”

Frigid weather is rewriting the pageantry of the day. Trump’s swearing-in was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda — the first time that has happened in 40 years — and the inaugural parade was replaced by an event at a downtown arena. Throngs of Trump supporters who descended on the city to watch the inaugural ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol from the National Mall will be left to find somewhere else to view the festivities.

“God has a plan,” said Terry Barber, 46, who drove nonstop from near Augusta, Georgia, to reach Washington. “I'm good with it."

When Trump takes the oath of office at noon, he will realize a political comeback without precedent in American history. Four years ago, he was voted out of the White House during an economic collapse caused by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Trump denied his defeat and tried to cling to power. He directed his supporters to march on the Capitol while lawmakers were certifying the election results, sparking a riot that interrupted the country’s tradition of the peaceful transfer of power.

But Trump never lost his grip on the Republican Party and was undeterred by criminal cases and two assassination attempts as he steamrolled rivals and harnessed voters’ exasperation with inflation and illegal immigration.

Now Trump will be the first person convicted of a felony — for falsifying business records related to hush money payments — to serve as president. He will pledge to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution from the same spot that was overrun by his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He’s said that one of his first acts in office will be to pardon many of those who participated in the riot.

Eight years after he first entered the White House as a political newcomer, Trump is far more familiar with the operations of federal government and emboldened to bend it to his vision. He has promised retribution against his political opponents and critics, and placed personal loyalty as a prime qualification for appointments to his administration.

He has pledged to go further and move faster in enacting his agenda than during his first term, and already the country's political, business and technology leaders have realigned themselves to accommodate Trump. Democrats who once formed a “resistance” are now divided over whether to work with Trump or defy him. Billionaires have lined up to meet with Trump as they acknowledge his unrivaled power in Washington and ability to wield the levers of government to help or hurt their interests.

Trump has pledged to bring quick change to the country by curtailing immigration, enacting tariffs on imports and rolling back Democrats' climate and social initiatives.

Long skeptical of American alliances, his “America First” foreign policy is being watched warily at home and abroad as Russia's invasion of Ukraine will soon enter its third year and a fragile ceasefire appears to be holding in Gaza after more than 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas.

Trump, who spent Saturday and Sunday night at Blair House across from the White House, will begin Monday with a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Then he and his wife Melania will be greeted at the executive mansion by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden for the customary tea. It's a stark departure from four years ago, when Trump refused to acknowledge Biden's victory or attend his inauguration.

The two men and their spouses will head to the Capitol in a joint motorcade ahead of the swearing-in.

Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn-in first, taking the oath read by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on a bible given to him by his great-grandmother. Trump will follow, using both a family bible and the one used by President Abraham Lincoln at his 1861 inauguration as Chief Justice John Roberts administers his oath.

The inaugural festivities began Saturday, when Trump arrived in Washington on a government jet and viewed fireworks at his private golf club in suburban Virginia. On Sunday, he laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery and rallied his supporters at Washington’s downtown Capital One Arena.

A cadre of billionaires and tech titans who have sought to curry favor with Trump and have donated handsomely to his inaugural festivities, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, will be in attendance.

Also present will be the head of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media app deemed a national security risk by the U.S. Trump has promised to lift an effective ban on TikTok through one of many executive orders expected to be issued on Monday as the new president attempts to show quick progress.

At his Sunday rally, Trump teased dozens of coming executive actions, promising that “by the time the sun sets” on Monday he will have signed executive orders involving border security and immigration policy, including a revival of Trump’s first-term effort to shut down access to many new entries under what’s called Title 42 emergency provisions.

Others orders are expected to allow more oil and gas drilling by rolling back Biden-era policies on domestic energy production and rescind Biden's recent directive on artificial intelligence.

More changes are planned for the federal workforce. Trump wants to unwind diversity, equity and inclusion programs known as DEI, require employees to come back to the office and lay the groundwork to reduce staff.

“Expect shock and awe,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.

“What I’ve been urging the president, and my colleagues, to do is stay laser-focused on delivering on our promises,” Cruz said. “And that’s what I expect that we’re going to do.”

With control of Congress, Republicans are also working alongside the incoming Trump administration on legislation that will further roll back Biden administration policies and institute their own priorities.

"The president is going to come in with a flurry of executive orders,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. “And we are going to be working alongside the administration and in tandem.”

AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro and AP writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.

Follow the AP's coverage of Donald Trump at https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump.

President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Snow falls on the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Snow falls on the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a rally ahead of the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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