As he meets with Indonesia’s civil authorities in Jakarta, Pope Francis upholds the nation’s motto of “Unity in Diversity,” and promises the Catholic Church’s efforts to support interreligious dialogue and civil harmony.
Pope Francis delivered his first speech on Indonesian soil on Wednesday as he met with the country’s authorities, civil society, and diplomatic corps at the Istana Negara presidential palace in Jakarta.
He was welcomed by President Joko Widodo, a crowd of Indonesian children waiving Vatican and Indonesian flags, and several members of the presidential guard.
Signing the Book of Honour, the Pope wrote, in Italian: “Immersed in the beauty of this land, a place of encounter and dialogue between different cultures and religions, I wish the Indonesian people growth in faith, fraternity, and compassion. God bless Indonesia!”
In his address to the country’s authorities, the Pope thanked everyone for welcoming him to Indonesia, and highlighted how the country’s many ethnicities and religions could be called its “unifying fabric,” just as the ocean unifies its thousands of islands.
“Your national motto Bhinneka tunggal ika (United in Diversity, literally Many but One) captures well this multifaceted reality of diverse peoples firmly united in one nation,” he said.
The Holy Father noted that harmony in diversity requires everyone to embrace a spirit of fraternity in seeking the good of all.
“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,” he said.
Such a work of craftsmanship, he added, involves all Indonesians and invites them to strive toward harmony, equity, respect for human rights, sustainable development, and the pursuit of peace.
