Jakarta: Pope Francis has urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world's most populous Islamic majority, to protect against religious extremism, which he characterized as a distortion of faith through "deception and violence." This appeal was made during his inaugural address of a 12-day tour across Southeast Asia, where Christians constitute a minority. This report is provided by Vatican News. Photo Credits: Vatican News.

Addressing approximately 300 politicians and religious figures at Jakarta's Merdeka Presidential Palace, the 87-year-old pontiff emphasized the Catholic Church's commitment to advancing inter-religious dialogue. "Through such dialogue, we can eliminate prejudices and foster a climate of mutual respect and trust," Francis stated.

He highlighted the necessity of countering extremism and intolerance, which he said, manipulate religion to impose their views violently. Indonesia, with a population of about 280 million, is roughly 87% Muslim. While the constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the country has witnessed extremist violence in recent years, including suicide bombings linked to the Islamic State-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

In his welcoming speech, Indonesian President Joko Widodo praised the Pope’s call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Widodo, who is concluding his decade-long tenure, expressed appreciation for the Vatican's advocacy for peace and a two-state solution.

Upon arrival at the presidential palace, the Pope was greeted by enthusiastic crowds holding Vatican and Indonesian flags. Among them was 10-year-old Dorothea Dawai, dressed in traditional Indonesian attire, who hoped to receive a blessing from the Pope. Due to his knee and back pain, Francis was seen in a wheelchair but was warmly received by President Widodo, with an honor guard playing the Indonesian and Vatican anthems.

While details of their private conversation were not disclosed, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi indicated that the discussion touched on broader conflicts and the importance of peace. In his public remarks, the Pope refrained from mentioning specific violent incidents but spoke broadly about the dangers of religious manipulation.

The pontiff’s speech marked the beginning of his ambitious tour of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, which will include visits to Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. Over the 12-day journey, Francis will travel nearly 33,000 km (21,000 miles), returning to Rome on Sept. 13.

Following his Jakarta visit, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with Indonesia’s Catholic bishops and participate in an inter-religious dialogue at the Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest mosque. His itinerary also includes Papua New Guinea, where the majority of the population is Christian, and Timor-Leste, a predominantly Catholic nation.

The final leg of the trip will take him to Singapore, a city-state with a significant ethnic Chinese population and strong ties with both China and the U.S. Some view this visit as part of the Vatican’s efforts to strengthen relations with China. This follows the Pope’s previous outreach in Mongolia and the Vatican’s recent announcement of a permanent office in China.

Despite health challenges, including past lung infections and recent bouts of bronchitis and influenza, Pope Francis continues to engage actively in global affairs. He is already planning his next trip to Belgium and Luxembourg later this month.