Pope Francis, in Muslim-majority Indonesia, warns towards spiritual extremism

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Pope Francis on Wednesday urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, to protect towards spiritual extremism, which he mentioned distorted folks’s spiritual beliefs via “deception and violence.”

In his first speech throughout an ambitious 12-day journey throughout Southeast Asia, the place Christians are a small minority of the regional inhabitants, the pontiff mentioned the Catholic Church would improve its efforts towards inter-religious dialogue in hopes of serving to tamp down extremism.

“On this approach, prejudices will be eradicated, and a local weather of mutual respect and belief can develop,” the 87-year-old pope mentioned in an deal with to some 300 politicians and spiritual leaders at Jakarta’s Merdeka presidential palace.

“That is indispensable for assembly frequent challenges, together with that of countering extremism and intolerance, which via the distortion of faith try and impose their views by utilizing deception and violence,” Francis mentioned.

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.

The 2021 incident came about 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 cease-fire within the Israel-Gaza war.

“Indonesia appreciates the Vatican’s angle which continues to voice (and) name for peace in Palestine, and helps a two-state answer,” 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 automobile arrived on the presidential palace.

Dorothea Dawai, 10, was among the many group welcoming the pope. Carrying a inexperienced kebaya, a standard Indonesian gown, 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 automobile, and met the president outdoors the constructing.

The 2 leaders had been saluted by an honor guard taking part in the Indonesian and Vatican anthems, earlier than heading inside for a non-public assembly.

Indonesian International Minister Retno Marsudi informed journalists that Francis and Widodo had not spoken particularly concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict of their assembly, however extra typically about ongoing conflicts and “the significance 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 occasions when religion in God is … sadly manipulated to foment divisions and improve hatred as an alternative of furthering peace, communion, dialogue, respect, cooperation and fraternity,” he mentioned.

Francis’ speech got here on his first working day of the journey to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, which may also embody stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.

The pope is ready to journey practically 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 was as a consequence 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 biggest mosque in Southeast Asia.