By Joshua McElwee and Stefanno Sulaiman
JAKARTA (Reuters) -Pope Francis on Wednesday urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, to protect in opposition to spiritual extremism, which he mentioned distorted folks’s spiritual beliefs by way of “deception and violence”.
In his first speech throughout an bold 12-day journey throughout Southeast Asia, the place Christians are a small minority of the regional inhabitants, the pontiff mentioned the Catholic Church would enhance its efforts towards inter-religious dialogue in hopes of serving to tamp down extremism.
“In this way, prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow,” the 87-year-old pope mentioned in an handle to some 300 politicians and non secular leaders at Jakarta’s Merdeka Presidential Palace.
“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,” mentioned Francis.
Indonesia has a inhabitants of about 280 million folks and is estimated to be about 87% Muslim. Freedom of faith is assured within the nation’s structure.
There have been a number of incidents of extremist violence within the nation in recent times, together with suicide bomb assaults in 2021 and 2022 by individuals affiliated with the Islamic State-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).
The 2021 incident occurred simply earlier than the Christian Easter vacation, and wounded not less than 19 folks.
In his personal speech welcoming the pope to Indonesia, President Joko Widodo thanked Francis for his efforts to name for a ceasefire within the Israel-Gaza struggle.
“Indonesia appreciates the Vatican’s attitude which continues to voice (and) call for peace in Palestine, and supports a two-state solution,” mentioned Widodo, who’s stepping down in October after 10 years in workplace.
Francis was greeted by crowds waving small Vatican and Indonesian flags as his automotive arrived on the presidential palace.
Dorothea Dawai, a college youngster aged 10, was among the many group welcoming the pope. Carrying a inexperienced kebaya, a standard Indonesian costume, she mentioned she hoped to ask for a blessing.
The pontiff, who suffers from knee and again ache, was seated in a wheelchair as he left his automotive, and met the president outdoors the constructing.
The 2 leaders had been saluted by an honour guard enjoying the Indonesian and Vatican anthems, earlier than heading inside for a personal assembly.
Indonesian International Minister Retno Marsudi instructed journalists that Francis and Widodo had not spoken particularly in regards to the Israel-Gaza struggle of their assembly, however extra usually about ongoing conflicts and “the importance of peace”.
In his public remarks, Francis didn’t point out any particular violent incidents, however made a number of references to extremism, intolerance and manipulation of faith.
“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,” mentioned the pontiff.
Francis’ speech got here on his first working day of the journey to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, which can even embrace stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.
The pope is about to journey almost 33,000 km (21,000 miles) on the 12 days of the tour, earlier than he arrives again in Rome on Sept. 13.
In a while Wednesday, Francis is because of meet with Indonesia’s Catholic bishops at Jakarta’s cathedral. On Thursday, he’ll participate in an inter-religious assembly on the Istiqlal Mosque, the most important mosque in Southeast Asia.
