Pope Francis began his 11-day, four-nation trip through Southeast Asia and Oceania in Indonesia, where he met with President Joko Widodo and urged the country to promote “harmony in diversity” and combat religious intolerance. During his visit, Francis highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue and the need to address extremism and intolerance that distort religion to incite violence and division. He also acknowledged Indonesia’s diverse culture, comparing it to the country’s thousands of islands that contribute unique elements to create a unified and valuable mosaic.
The pontiff’s visit to Indonesia comes at a time when the country, known for its moderate Muslim population, has experienced incidents of religious intolerance. In a show of support for refugees, Francis met with Rohingya refugees and emphasized the importance of welcoming and supporting those in need. He also engaged in discussions with Indonesian authorities about promoting peace, acceptance, and tolerance to build a better world for all humanity.
Addressing Indonesia’s Catholic community, which represents only 3% of the country’s population, Francis aimed to strengthen ties and support the growth of priesthood and religious vocations. The pontiff’s itinerary includes participation in an interfaith meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal mosque, symbolizing Indonesia’s tradition of religious tolerance while acknowledging the challenges of intolerance that have arisen in the nation.
Amid concerns about religious freedom and acts of discrimination, human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, expressed hope that Francis’ visit would encourage an end to intolerance and discrimination against minority groups in Indonesia. The Catholic Church in Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Catholic seminary, plays a crucial role in fostering religious vocations and supporting the growth of the Church in Asia, a region considered vital for the future of Catholicism.
As Pope Francis continues his journey through Indonesia and other nations in the region, his visit serves as a call for unity, acceptance, and dialogue among diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of respecting religious freedom and promoting peace in a world marked by increasing conflicts and divisions.
