JAKARTA, Indonesia. During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis urged the nation to honor its commitment to “harmony in diversity” and combat religious intolerance, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of growing extremism. The pontiff’s visit begins a challenging 11-day, four-nation tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania.

In Jakarta, Pope Francis met with outgoing President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto at the presidential palace. The energetic 87-year-old pontiff, despite his health challenges, joked and laughed throughout the day. His interactions included a warm reception by the Indonesian people, with cannons booming and a parade featuring children in traditional dress.

Addressing Indonesian officials, Francis likened the nation’s diverse population to its 17,000 islands, each contributing to a “magnificent mosaic” that forms a unique and valuable whole. He stressed that while diversity is a strength, it also requires vigilant protection against the forces of conflict and division.

“This wise and delicate balance, between the multiplicity of cultures and different ideological visions, and the ideals that cement unity, must be continuously defended against imbalances,” Francis remarked. He emphasized that political leaders have a crucial role in maintaining this balance, while also affirming the Catholic Church’s commitment to fostering interreligious dialogue.

He continued, “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.”

President Widodo echoed the pope’s sentiments, saying, “War will not benefit anyone, war will only bring suffering and misery to the common people. Therefore let us celebrate the differences that we have. Let us accept each other and strengthen tolerance to realize peace and a better world for all humanity.”

Despite the rigorous schedule, Francis maintained his usual wit and humor. He praised Indonesia’s high birthrate, contrasting it with the West where “some prefer a cat or a little dog.” During a private meeting with fellow Jesuits, he quipped, “The police have come to take me away,” and to the priests and nuns, he warned, “The devil enters through your pockets.”

The pope’s remarks in Jakarta’s Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral continued to encourage fraternity among different faiths and cultures. Addressing Catholic clergy, nuns, and lay leaders, he emphasized that proclaiming the Gospel means sharing the joy of Christ with respect and affection for everyone, rather than imposing beliefs.

Sister Rina Rosalina, who spoke directly to the pope, highlighted the challenges posed by language barriers in accessing Vatican documents. “Holy Father, we are always trying to learn from you. Unfortunately, due to distance and language barriers, sometimes we have difficulties studying the documents issued from Rome,” she noted, drawing a sympathetic nod from Francis.

Outside the cathedral, hundreds of well-wishers, including children playing traditional bamboo instruments, gathered to greet the pope, symbolizing the spirit of interfaith and intercultural harmony that Francis hopes to foster during his visit.

The cathedral’s location, directly opposite the Istiqlal Mosque and connected by a “Tunnel of Friendship,” underscores Indonesia’s aspirations for interfaith unity. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the mosque and meet with the grand imam, reinforcing his message of religious tolerance.

However, recent events have marred Indonesia’s image as a moderate Muslim nation. In 2021, a militant Islamic couple carried out a suicide bombing outside a Catholic cathedral in Sulawesi during Palm Sunday Mass, injuring at least 20 people. Amnesty International expressed hope that the pope’s visit would help curb acts of intolerance and discrimination against minority groups in Indonesia. The organization reported 123 cases of intolerance between January 2021 and July 2024, including attacks on places of worship.

Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, stated, “The pope’s visit has an important role in encouraging Indonesia to end intolerance and discrimination against all minority groups.”

Pope Francis’ journey will continue with visits to Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, covering over 32,000 kilometers by the time it concludes on September 13.