Pope Francis urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, to stand up against religious extremism, according to Reuters.
In his first speech during a 12-day tour across Southeast Asia, the pontiff said the Catholic Church would intensify its efforts at interfaith dialogue in hopes of helping to quell extremism.
In this way, prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow. This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance, which through the distortion of religion attempt to impose their views by using deception and violence.
Indonesia has a population of around 280 million people, of which it is estimated that around 87 per cent are Muslims. The country experienced several incidents of extremist violence in recent years, including suicide attacks in 2021 and 2022 by individuals linked to the Islamic State-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).
President Joko Widodo thanked Francis for his efforts to call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
“Indonesia appreciates the Vatican’s attitude which continues to voice (and) call for peace in Palestine, and supports a two-state solution.”
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Francis and Widodo discussed a more general plan about the ongoing conflicts and “the importance of peace.” The pontiff stated then:
There are times when faith in God is (…) sadly manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred instead of furthering peace, communion, dialogue, respect, cooperation and fraternity.
In 12 days, the Pope plans to visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. On Wednesday, he is scheduled to meet with Indonesia’s Catholic bishops at the Jakarta Cathedral. On Thursday, he will attend an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia.
