Pope Francis Advocates for Unity and Tolerance During Indonesia Visit

Pope Francis Emphasizes Unity and Tolerance in Indonesia

Pope Francis, during his first public address in Indonesia on Wednesday, lauded the nation’s foundational principles of unity amidst diversity, while also urging vigilance against intolerance and extremism. The pontiff met with President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, the capital, shortly after arriving from Rome following a lengthy 13-hour flight.

In a ceremonial setting at the Dutch colonial-era presidential palace, the pope, clad in his iconic white robes, stood alongside President Joko, who wore a traditional Islamic hat. The atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of Indonesian honor guards and a marching band that performed hymns, creating a scene rich in cultural significance.

This visit marks the beginning of Pope Francis’s 11-day tour across the Asia-Pacific region, a rigorous journey for the 87-year-old leader who has prioritized outreach to Asian nations during his papacy. Notably, Francis was the first pope to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, and he has consistently championed interfaith dialogue as a critical aspect of his mission. His visit to Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population globally, is poised to further this objective.

In his address at the presidential palace, the pope drew a compelling analogy between Indonesia’s rich tapestry of religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity and its remarkable biodiversity. He emphasized that tolerance and mutual respect have been pivotal in unifying the nation, stating, “just as the ocean is the natural element uniting all Indonesian islands.”

Both the pope and President Joko celebrated Indonesia’s pluralism, but Francis cautioned that the nation must remain vigilant against the threats of intolerance and extremism. He articulated that unity represents a “wise and delicate balance” that “must be continuously defended,” particularly by those in positions of political influence, in light of the “imbalances and suffering that still persist in some areas.”

While Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, it is also home to millions who practice other faiths, including Catholicism. The country has historically served as a vibrant example of interreligious harmony, but recent years have seen growing discrimination against religious minorities amid the rise of conservative Islamic factions. Some Indonesian Catholics expressed concerns about facing persecution due to their beliefs, with fears fueled by the perception that they aim to convert Muslims.

• Desri Yohanna, a 24-year-old parishioner at Santa Clara Catholic Church in Jakarta, shared her hope that the pope would convey that Catholics are not fanatics.

In addressing these concerns, Pope Francis reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to fostering “interreligious dialogue” and collaboration with other faiths, explicitly stating the intention to “never proselytize.”

As the first leg of his Asia-Pacific journey, this visit poses a significant physical challenge for the aging pontiff. President Joko, who is set to conclude his decade-long presidency in October, referenced the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, expressing gratitude for the Vatican’s continuous advocacy for peace in Palestine. While Francis did not directly address the conflict, he underscored that intolerance has been a catalyst for violence worldwide, contrasting it with Indonesia’s core principle of unity.

Muktita Suhartono contributed to this report.