Pope Francis Calls for Unity Against Extremism During Historic Visit to Indonesia

On Wednesday, Pope Francis urged Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, to resist religious extremism, warning that such movements distort faith through “deception and violence.” Speaking at Jakarta’s Merdeka Presidential Palace, the pontiff addressed an audience of 300 political and religious leaders, marking the beginning of his 12-day journey across Southeast Asia.

Francis, 87, emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue to combat extremism. “This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including countering extremism and intolerance,” the pope said, seated in a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. He stressed that religious distortions fuel division and hatred instead of peace and cooperation.

Indonesia, home to 280 million people, is predominantly Muslim but guarantees freedom of religion. Recent years have seen violent attacks by extremist groups like Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), including a 2021 suicide bombing targeting Christians during Easter.

President Joko Widodo welcomed the pope and expressed gratitude for Francis’ calls for peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Widodo, who is nearing the end of his presidency, praised the Vatican’s support for a two-state solution in Palestine.

As crowds cheered, Francis and Widodo met privately after an honor guard ceremony. Later, the pope will meet Indonesia’s Catholic bishops and participate in interfaith dialogues at the Istiqlal Mosque.

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