Pope Francis prays for peace in Indonesia

Jakarta, Sept 4 (ANTARA) - Pope Francis, the world's Catholic leader and Head of the Holy See of the Vatican, prayed that God will always bless the Indonesian nation with peace.

"May God bless Indonesia with peace for a future full of hope. God bless you all," the Pope stated in his message at a meeting with government officials, the diplomatic corps, and community leaders at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

His prayer referred to the unity in diversity of the Indonesian nation. The Pope admired Indonesia's motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means different but still united.

He said the motto expresses the multifaceted reality of various people united in one nation.

He then quoted a statement by Saint John Paul II during his visit to Indonesia in 1989, saying that by recognizing diversity, respecting human rights, and encouraging national unity based on tolerance and mutual respect, Indonesia has laid the foundation for a just and peaceful society.

These principles remain valid and believed in, according to the Pope. He also hopes that such principles will be applied in day-to-day life.

"Harmony is achieved when we commit ourselves not only to personal interests and visions but also to the common good by building bridges, strengthening agreements and synergies, joining forces to overcome all forms of moral, economic, and social suffering, and promoting peace and harmony," he remarked.

Pope Francis is on his apostolic journey to the Asia-Pacific in September 2024. He is scheduled to visit four countries: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.

Indonesia is the first country to be visited on September 3-6, 2024. Earlier, Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II had visited Indonesia in 1970 and 1989, respectively.

The trip to the Asia-Pacific region for 11 days, or precisely on September 3-13, 2024, will be his longest visit since 11 years of leading Catholics.