Pope Francis, supreme leader of the Vatican City State, and head of the Catholic Church, has said that religious unity is a powerful tool that could be used to counter the growing threats of extremism and intolerance, noting that deception and violence had been used to distort people’s beliefs.
Addressing the political leaders at the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, the pope said the Catholic Church was increasing its efforts towards interfaith dialogue. On the first day of his 12-day 45th Apostolic Journey, which will be his longest trip overseas, the pontiff stressed the important role that interfaith harmony could play to promote peace and simultaneously counter divisive forces that threaten global security.
Throughout his address, he talked about the unique position of Indonesia – an archipelago of over 17,000 islands – as a symbol of unity in diversity. He said that just like the ocean binds the islands together, mutual respect for diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious characteristics serves as the fabric that unites the Indonesian people. He said this respect was not just a passive acceptance but an active commitment to recognize and celebrate differences as a source of strength and unity.
He also pointed out that Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity), summed up a principle that was vital not only for the country itself but also for the international community. He said that nations could promote peaceful coexistence by embracing this principle. He said diversity was meant for working towards the common good instead of dividing the people. He noted that a balance was needed to maintain this unity, along with constant vigilance to protect it from the forces that seek to disrupt it.
The Vatican’s supreme leader urged Indonesia’s political leaders to lead this effort, saying that peace, equity, and respect for fundamental human rights were a must to achieve lasting interfaith harmony. He praised Indonesia for embracing social justice and urged the nation to continue treading that path, using its rich tradition of unity and faith. During his speech, he also talked about the challenges the global community currently faced.
He said the world had been marred by violent conflicts, which he said were because of a lack of mutual respect and the desire to impose one’s views on all. He warned such tendencies at the expense of diversity would not only suppress the rights and freedoms of the people but also sow the seeds of conflict and division. Instead, he called for a political culture that respected and celebrated diversity. This, he argued, was the foundation of a just and peaceful society.
The pope urged Indonesians to continue serving as a “beacon of hope” and a model of peaceful coexistence. He underlined importance of social justice, warning that without true commitment to equitable development, large segments of the population could be left marginalized, which would add to the conflicts. He urged Indonesian leaders to prioritize the welfare of all citizens to ensure that the nation’s progress was inclusive and sustainable.
It is pertinent to mention here that the address was delivered in the heart of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. Pope Francis would spend the next eight days touring Southeast Asia, with stops in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, where Catholic communities are relatively smaller. His journey is being seen as an important one for promoting peace in regions where religious divisions have historically led to tensions.
