JAKARTA, Sept 4 (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Wednesday urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world‘s most populous Muslim-majority nation, to protect in opposition to non secular extremism, which he mentioned distorted individuals’s non secular beliefs via “deception and violence”.
In his first speech throughout an formidable 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 method, 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 non secular leaders at Jakarta’s Merdeka Presidential Palace.
“That is indispensable for assembly widespread 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,” mentioned Francis.
Indonesia has a inhabitants of about 280 million individuals 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 befell simply earlier than the Christian Easter vacation, and wounded at the least 19 individuals.
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 warfare.
“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, a college baby aged 10, was among the many group welcoming the pope. Sporting 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 honour guard enjoying the Indonesian and Vatican anthems, earlier than heading inside for a personal assembly.
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