On Wednesday, Pope Francis called on Indonesia’s political leaders to guard against religious extremism, warning that it distorts people’s beliefs through “deception and violence.” His remarks came during a packed first full day of his longest-ever overseas journey, which includes nine days in Southeast Asia, where Christians are a small minority.
In a speech at Jakarta’s presidential palace, Francis emphasized the Catholic Church’s commitment to fostering inter-religious dialogue, aiming to reduce extremism. “In this way, prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow,” the 87-year-old pontiff said.
He highlighted the challenges of extremism and intolerance, which he noted often manipulate religion to impose views through violence. “This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance,” Francis stated.
About 87% of Indonesia’s 280 million population is Muslim, and the country’s constitution guarantees religious freedom. While Indonesia has experienced some Islamist violence in recent years, including suicide bombings in 2021 and 2022 linked to Islamic State-inspired groups, the prevalence of extremism has declined since the early 2000s.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who has led the country for a decade, thanked Pope Francis for his calls for peace in global conflicts, particularly the Israel-Gaza war. “Indonesia appreciates the Vatican’s attitude which continues to voice (and) call for peace,” Widodo said.
Religion Manipulated
Upon arrival at the presidential palace, Francis was greeted by crowds waving small Vatican and Indonesian flags. Despite suffering from knee and back pain, the pontiff used a wheelchair to meet with the president.
Francis warned against the manipulation of faith to incite division and hatred, stating that religion should promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation. “There are times when faith in God is… sadly manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred,” he noted.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that while Francis and Widodo did not specifically discuss the Gaza conflict, they focused on broader themes of peace and conflict resolution.
Promoting Respectful Faith
Later, Francis met with local Catholics at Jakarta’s cathedral, where a lively crowd, including children playing traditional bamboo instruments, awaited his arrival. He reminded the faithful that living out Catholic teachings does not mean imposing beliefs on others.
Francis, who will also visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, will conclude his journey on September 13. Notably, on Thursday, he will participate in an inter-religious meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia.
The pope’s Southeast Asia trip underscores his ongoing efforts to enhance Catholic-Muslim relations, having previously made history as the first pope to visit the Arabian peninsula in 2019.
Source: Reuters
