Pope Francis in Indonesia: Mission of Peace and Dialogue
From September 3rd to 6th, Catholics in Indonesia celebrated a special occasion as Pope Francis, the highest leader of the Catholic Church, visited the country. The Pope’s visit to Indonesia is part of his Apostolic Journey, which refers to the Pope’s mission as a representative of Christianity to Catholic churches, and a part of his pastoral duty to visit Christian communities worldwide.
Pope Francis is not the first Pope to visit Indonesia. The relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican has a long history, marked by the establishment of the Vatican Apostolic Delegation in Jakarta in 1947. Since then, there have been two papal visits: by Pope John Paul II in 1989 and by Pope Paul VI in 1970. Pope Francis’ visit in 2024 is a testament to the continued strength of the relationship between Indonesia and the Vatican. As the Pope is also the head of a sovereign international entity(the Holy See), his visit can also be viewed from an international law perspective as a diplomatic visit from a head of state.
In exploring the purpose of this visit, a researcher from Religion and Globalization in National University of Singapore, Michel Chambon, told VOA that the Pope is taking a proactive stance to prevent Christian-Muslim relations from being exploited for political purposes. The Pope prioritizes making and reiterating global statements about Christian-Muslim relations. This agenda is particularly significant given the timing of the visit, which comes ahead of regional elections, and considering Indonesia’s political history, which has been colored by identity politics. The Pope’s messages of tolerance, unity, and global peace were central to this visit.
In his homily at the Grand Mass held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Pope Francis emphasized that love is the key to building peace. He urged people not to tire in spreading love and doing good, even if the results are not always proportional. He called on everyone to continue dreaming and striving to build a civilization of peace, showcasing kindness in everyday interactions.The Pope also highlighted the importance of universal brotherhood. In his view, all humanity is bound together in one large family, and differences should be celebrated as wealth rather than sources of conflict. This message aligns with the principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) embraced by Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of unity amidst diversity
Pope Francis’s messages are highly relevant to Indonesia’s current social-political landscape. This country is known for its rich diversity of ethnicities, religions, and cultures. However, challenges such as intolerance and interfaith conflicts still exist. The Pope’s visit is expected to strengthen the collective commitment to maintaining harmony among religious communities.In his remarks, President Joko Widodo emphasized that Pancasila (the foundational philosophical theory of Indonesia) and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika are essential guidelines for Indonesian society to live in harmony despite their differences. The Pope’s message about tolerance as nourishment for unity can serve as a foundation for society to appreciate differences more and collaborate in creating a peaceful environment.
During his time in Indonesia, Pope Francis engaged in a series of activities that included meetings with religious leaders and the community, as well as delivering important speeches that resonated deeply with many. Pope Francis arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on September 3, where he was warmly welcomed by President Joko Widodo and other officials. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as people gathered to catch a glimpse of the Pope. Here are some highlights from his visit: On September 4, Pope Francis visited the Presidential Palace for a meeting with President Jokowi. They discussed vital issues surrounding interfaith dialogue and social development, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity, The pinnacle of his visit was a grand Mass held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, attended by around 80,000 Catholics. The atmosphere was electric as worshippers sang hymns and celebrated their faith together. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from the Pope.
Throughout his visit, Pope Francis delivered several poignant messages that reflected his dedication to peace and interfaith understanding. At Istiqlal Mosque, he emphasized that dialogue is essential for resolving conflicts and fostering a society built on respect. In his address at the State Palace, he called upon all parties to collaborate in combating poverty and social injustice—issues that resonate deeply in Indonesian society. The arrival of Pope Francis was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the Indonesian public. Many Catholics eagerly anticipated this moment as an opportunity to receive inspiration directly from one of the world’s most influential religious figures. Crowds gathered at various events, both in person and through live broadcasts on social media platforms.Pope Francis is known for his simple lifestyle and compassionate approach to leadership. His teachings about love, kindness, and caring for others have inspired countless individuals across the globe. This visit served not only as a momentous occasion for Catholics but also as a symbol of hope for peace and interfaith harmony in a nation rich in diversity.
This visit helps strengthen interfaith relations in Indonesia by promoting dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among different religious communities. It emphasizes the importance of peace and interreligious dialogue, reinforcing the value of mutual understanding and coexistence. By promoting peaceful interaction, it sets an example of how differences in belief can coexist harmoniously, providing a message of unity in diversity. This visit also encourages greater collaboration between the Catholic minority, the government, and the broader Muslim-majority society. Such collaboration helps to foster an environment of tolerance and mutual respect, highlighting the shared responsibility of all religious groups in building a peaceful society. The event can inspire initiatives that strengthen relationships among various religious communities, making inclusivity a shared goal.
Furthermore, the presence of the Pope, the highest spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and a symbol of the global Catholic community, brings a powerful message of commitment to peace and humanity. His visit embodies the idea that even a religious minority has an important role to play in national unity, encouraging Catholics and other religious groups alike to engage positively with one another for the greater good of the entire society.
In an increasingly interconnected world of diversity, it is very important to nurture the hope of peace through tolerance amidst the threat of interfaith conflict. A commitment to maintaining understanding between different religious communities must be sustained, ensuring that dialogue and compassion take precedence over division. In a multicultural society, it is vital to prevent the gaps of potential conflicts from widening, which requires collective efforts to uphold unity and respect diversity. Keeping hope for peace alive through tolerance is essential in a multicultural society, especially when faced with the threat of interfaith conflicts. By promoting understanding and respect among different religious groups, we can prevent conflicts from spreading and protect harmony within the community. Embracing diversity and encouraging open dialogue help to build trust and reduce misunderstandings, creating a peaceful environment for everyone to coexist.
The upcoming visit of the Pope to Indonesia offers a unique opportunity for us to contribute in preserving and promoting peace among religious communities. It symbolizes Indonesia’s dedication to interfaith harmony and highlights its role as a beacon of tolerance in a world that often struggles with religious and cultural differences.
This visit is more than a diplomatic event—it is a moment for the world to witness how unity can be achieved through understanding, dialogue, and the commitment to common humanity. The values brought during the pope’s journey in Indonesia such as the value of simplicity, peace and hospitality and collaboration to encourage tolerance give hope that in the midst of many conflicts that are exacerbated by differences in views and beliefs, unity is possible to achieve. Those differences are not a reason for disunity, but as an arena for peace and getting to know each other.
Moving forward, there is hope that the spirit of dialogue and tolerance in Indonesia will continue to grow stronger. By fostering open communication and mutual respect among people of different beliefs, Indonesia can become a shining example of how diversity enriches society. Through education, community efforts, and policies that promote understanding, the country can build a future where differences are embraced as strengths, and peaceful coexistence is a shared goal for everyone.