Pope Francis and Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for interfaith dialogue and rejection of extremism during a visit in Jakarta on Wednesday. Indonesia is the first stop in the pop of Asia and Oceania.
“The Church wishes to strengthen inter-religious dialogue … to promote peaceful and fruitful harmony that ensures peace,” Widodo said after his meeting.
“(Extremists), through distortion of religion, try to impose their views using deception and violence,” he added.
Widodo echoed his sentiments, saying that “freedom and tolerance is what Indonesia, together with the Vatican, wants to spread … in the midst of an increasingly turbulent world.”
Indonesia is grappling with extremism
Indonesia, a majority-Muslim nation, has struggled with extremism and terrorism in places like Aceh province, and in 2002 a major terrorist attack on the resort island of Bali killed 202 people.
Although Indonesia is only 3%, it still represents about 8 million people. The pontiff’s trip highlights the growing importance of Southeast Asia and Oceania for the Vatican, as it is one of the few places in the world where the number of faithful is growing.
Despite concerns about his fragile health, the Pope appeared lively as he greeted children in traditional dress and waving flags upon his arrival. However, he used a wheelchair to get out of his car.
Francis was due to address the faithful at Jakarta’s cathedral later in the day.
On Thursday, the Pope is expected to meet with Muslim, Buddhist, Protestant, Hindu and Confucian leaders as well as other Catholic public figures at the Istiklal Mosque.
Also included will be stops in Singapore, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.
es/nm (AFP, Reuters)
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