Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Politicians play a crucial role in maintaining national unity by working for the common good and fostering cooperation, especially when divisions threaten to fragment a country, Pope Francis told Indonesian leaders.

National unity “is a work of craftsmanship entrusted to everyone, but in a special way to those in political life, who should strive toward harmony, equity, respect for the fundamental rights of human beings, sustainable development, solidarity and the pursuit of peace, both within society and with other peoples and nations,” the pope said on September 4.

After arriving in Jakarta following a 13-hour flight, Pope Francis appeared well-rested as he delivered his speech. He included several impromptu remarks criticizing Indonesia’s long-standing efforts to promote contraceptive use and limit families to two children.

Addressing Indonesia’s significant wealth disparity, the pope stated that some attempt to address this issue through “a law of death,” referring to birth control measures. He emphasized that “limiting births” undermines the nation’s greatest asset—its people. “Your country has families with three, four, five children,” he noted. “Keep going like this. It’s an example for all countries.”

The pope elicited smiles when he remarked that in some countries “families prefer to have a dog or a cat.”

In February, The Jakarta Post reported that while poverty had decreased over the past year in Indonesia, wealth inequality had widened. The Global Inequality Report of 2022 ranked Indonesia sixth worldwide in wealth inequality. The four richest men in Indonesia possess more wealth than the combined resources of its poorest 100 million citizens.

With its numerous islands, ethnic groups, languages, and religions, Indonesia faces ongoing challenges in respecting diversity while ensuring peace. During his meeting with government and civic leaders at Istana Negara in Jakarta, Pope Francis highlighted these issues.

Over the past 25 years, terrorist attacks linked to al-Qaida and ISIS have killed hundreds in Indonesia. In response, the government has bolstered security measures and strengthened its ministry for religious affairs. The country’s largest Muslim organizations have also promoted interreligious dialogue.

Pope Francis assured Indonesian President Joko Widodo and other leaders that the Catholic Church is committed to fostering interreligious dialogue. “In this way, prejudices can be eliminated and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow,” he said. This is essential for addressing common challenges such as extremism and intolerance.

“The Catholic Church is at the service of the common good and wishes to strengthen cooperation with public institutions and other actors in civil society but never engaging in proselytism,” he added. “It respects the faith of every person.”

Upon arrival at Merdeka Palace—the official presidential residence—in a white hybrid Toyota vehicle adorned with traditional dress-wearing children waving Indonesian and Vatican flags lined up along driveways cheering as Pope Francis passed by.

Following performances of both nations' anthems Pope Francis reviewed troops alongside President Widodo before holding private discussions on palace veranda then proceeded next door where addressed societal leaders emphasizing diversity as gift tolerance being "fertilizer" promoting unity president echoed similar sentiments stressing importance supporting dialogue amidst global turbulence particularly highlighting conflict Palestine lauding Vatican's stance advocating peace two-state solution war only bringing suffering misery common people

Prabowo Subianto president-elect seated front row meeting received warmest wishes fruitful period service from pontiff despite former general facing accusations human rights abuses during Suharto dictatorship era ruling nation between years 1967-1998