Pope Francis: “Unity in Diversity, Social Justice and Divine Blessing”

During his visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis stressed the importance of preserving unity in the diversity of the world’s largest archipelago, underlining the “wise and delicate balance” that keeps the nation united despite its multiple cultures, languages, ethnicities and religions. Despite the challenges of intolerance, violence, terrorism and poverty, the Pope called on everyone, especially political leaders, to promote peace, social justice and interreligious dialogue.

The message of unity and respect

In front of an audience of about 300 people, including political and religious authorities, the Diplomatic Corps, entrepreneurs and representatives of civil society and culture in Jakarta, the Pope focused his speech on the peaceful coexistence that characterizes Indonesia. He compared the ocean that unites the islands of the archipelago with the “mutual respect for particularities” that holds the Indonesian people together, stressing that each human group in the country contributes to forming a “magnificent mosaic” of cultures and beliefs.

Pope Francis stressed that harmony is achieved when each group respects common needs and acts in a spirit of fraternity, pursuing the good of all. This balance, according to the Pope, must be protected, especially by politics, to ensure equity, respect for fundamental rights and sustainable peace.

Interreligious dialogue: Key to overcoming intolerance

In a Muslim-majority country, Francis stressed the need to intensify interreligious dialogue as a means of building lasting peace and facing the challenges of extremism and intolerance. The Pope stressed that eliminating prejudices and fostering mutual respect are essential to combat the forces that distort religion to justify violence.

The Catholic Church, Francis said, is committed to the common good and ready to collaborate with public institutions and civil society to create a more balanced social fabric.

Obstacles to fraternity and social justice

The Pope also warned of trends that hinder the development of fraternity in Indonesia, such as violent conflicts caused by a lack of mutual respect and the desire to impose particular interests at the expense of unity. These tensions, according to Francis, often come from those who seek to standardize everything, imposing their vision even on matters that should be handled autonomously.

The Holy Father stressed that, despite political statements promoting social justice, there is still a lack of real commitment to building true equity in the country.

Faith in God: A call for unity and peace

Pope Francis highlighted the mention of God in the Constitution and the Fundamental Law of Indonesia, indicating that faith should serve to build peace and fraternity, not to foment divisions. Quoting Pope John Paul II during his visit to Indonesia in 1989, Francis reiterated the importance of legitimate plurality, respect for human rights and national unity based on tolerance and mutual respect.

Pope’s final blessing for Indonesia

Concluding his speech, Pope Francis expressed his hope that all Indonesians, in their daily responsibilities, would be inspired by these principles of unity and justice. He thanked President Joko Widodo for his welcome and extended his best wishes to President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Finally, he blessed the people of Indonesia, wishing them peace and a future full of hope: “May God bless Indonesia and all its inhabitants.”