9/6/2024 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — Joined by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Pope Francis recently delivered a profound message on the importance of tolerance, diversity, and world peace during his recent visit to the world’s largest Muslim nation. 

On Sept. 4, the two leaders emphasized the need to make differences a strength in strengthening unity and the importance of voicing peace amid increasing global conflicts. The pope also urged political leaders in Indonesia to be vigilant against religious extremism, which he said distorts people’s religious beliefs through deception and violence.  

The pope also urged Indonesia to keep its promise of “harmony in diversity” and fight religious intolerance. 

An estimated 87% of Indonesia’s 280 million citizens are Muslim. Although freedom of religion is guaranteed in the country’s constitution, several incidents of extremist violence have occurred in recent years, including suicide bombings in 2021 and 2022 by people affiliated with the Islamic State group-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). 

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