Pope Francis praises Indonesia's national brotherhood: Envoy

Jakarta, July 24 (ANTARA) - Pope Francis considers Indonesia an example of nurturing brotherhood; hence, he decided to visit the country next September, according to Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono.

During an online interfaith dialogue on Tuesday, Kuncahyono said that Pope Francis emphasizes and upholds brotherhood and sees Indonesia as exemplary.

"Hence, it will be the first purpose of the Pope's visit to Indonesia," he said.

Indonesia will be the 66th country visited by Pope Francis since he became the leader of the Catholic Church in 2013.

Indonesia has become an example of national brotherhood given its perseverance in promoting the national ideology Pancasila and the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) principle despite political dynamics, the Indonesian envoy said.

"The Pope expressed his admiration for and praised Pancasila," he added.

Kuncahyono explained that the Holy See's diplomacy is distinct from that of other countries since it focuses only on humanity and morality and is not driven by economic, political, or military interests.

The Pope has often served as a voice of peace amid global uncertainty and conflicts, calling upon the world to respect humanity, morality, and ethics.

"We are all brothers no matter our background... the Pope comes to Indonesia to meet his brothers," the ambassador remarked.

Pope Francis will visit Indonesia from September 3 to 6. Indonesia will be the first stop in his Southeast Asian tour, during which he is also scheduled to visit Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore.

The Pope's visit was initially slated for 2020. However, the plan was shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.