Pope Francis Calls for Religious Unity to Combat Extremism During Asia Visit

Pope Francis called for increased religious unity to counteract extremism and intolerance during the first full day of his tour in Muslim-majority Indonesia, marking the beginning of the longest journey of his 87-year-old papacy.

Addressing the need for interfaith dialogue, the pope emphasized the role of all religions in addressing critical security issues. Speaking after a meeting with President Joko Widodo, Pope Francis urged for “peaceful and fruitful harmony” and criticized extremists who “distort religion to impose their views through deception and violence.”

President Widodo supported the pope’s message, highlighting that both Indonesia and the Vatican are committed to promoting freedom and tolerance amid global unrest. He noted Indonesia’s ongoing challenges with Islamist militancy, referencing the 2002 Bali bombings, which were the deadliest terrorist attack in the country’s history and prompted a significant crackdown on extremism.

Catholics, who make up less than three percent of Indonesia’s population of about 270 million, are one of six officially recognized religions in the predominantly Muslim nation. The pope’s visit marks the third papal trip to Indonesia and the first since Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1989.