Pope spoke to Rome’s Indonesian community about ‘dialogue, respect and a shared commitment to peace and harmony’
The pontiff met with a delegation from the community today at the Vatican, mentioning Francis’s 2024 visit, the Istiqlal “Message of Hope”, and 75 years of diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Leo expressed gratitude for the "strong ties" between “Christian and non-Christian neighbors alike,” noting that welcoming migrants is an example of a "culture of encounter”.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Pope Leo XVI this morning met with representatives of Rome’s Indonesian Catholic community in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican.
“Dear friends, you show that it is possible to be both faithful Catholics and proud Indonesians, devoted to the Gospel and to building harmony in society,” the pontiff said in his address, delivered in English.
Today marks two anniversaries, namely the first anniversary of Pope Francis's apostolic journey to Indonesia from 2 to 6 September 2024, and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Holy See.
“From the very beginning, the Holy See has walked closely with your nation, recognizing its independence soon after its birth,” Leo said.
Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945, culminating in a peace treaty between the two countries in December 1949.
“Over these decades, ties have been built on dialogue, respect and a shared commitment to peace and harmony,” the pope said.
The friendship between the Vatican and Indonesia was deepened by Francis’s visit, which "brought the message of hope to” the “vast archipelago.”
Furthermore, with the Istiqlal Declaration, signed at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta with the Grand Imam, Professor Nasaruddin Umar, Pope Francis gave "the world a tangible expression of interreligious cooperation”.
Signed on 5 September, the document highlighted the joint interreligious commitment to “foster unity for the good of humanity.”
“Today, we rejoice in these bonds of friendship; we rejoice in your presence here, along with the civil authorities who represent Indonesia,” Leo said. “This gathering itself is a sign of the good fruits of faith and unity.”
The pope thanked the Indonesians present at the audience for making the country's motto “Unity in Diversity” (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) real through “quiet acts of service”.
“Even far from home, you preserve your vibrant traditions and care for one another. I thank you for the strong ties you maintain with Christian and non-Christian neighbors alike,” he said.
Citing his predecessor during his visit to Jakarta, Pope Leo noted that “the peoples of Indonesia form a ‘unifying fabric’ when bound by the pursuit of the common good; indeed, maintaining harmony amid diversity is like a delicate ‘work of craftsmanship entrusted to everyone’.”
This is what Francis stressed in his address to the country’s authorities, civil society groups, and the diplomatic corps at Istana Negara.
Pope Leo XIV said he was further heartened by the way Indonesians practise “solidarity – from welcoming new migrants to sharing your culture with local communities.” For him, “These are clear examples of the “culture of encounter,” which is the foundation of peace and communion”.
“I urge you,” he added, “to be prophets of communion in a world that so often seeks to divide and provoke. The path of dialogue, the path of friendship, may be challenging, but it yields the precious fruit of peace.”
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