Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed this information to the press while reporting on the bilateral meeting between the Pope and President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) that took place on the veranda of Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Marsudi, who accompanied Jokowi during the bilateral meeting, noted that Pope Francis also emphasized that differences or diversity should be regarded as a blessing.
"Each person has his or her own uniqueness, and this uniqueness can create a harmonious symphony," she remarked.
According to the minister, the Holy See leader also stated that the world should take note of the remarkable diversity Indonesia enjoys, believing that diversity can pave the way for a peaceful life.
Earlier, Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia via Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on Tuesday (September 3). He was welcomed by Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas before proceeding to Jakarta.
Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia is part of his Asia-Pacific apostolic journey, taking place from September 3 to 13, the longest journey he has embarked on during his 11 years of service.
In addition to Indonesia, the esteemed religious figure will also visit Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
Pope Francis will remain in Indonesia until September 6, participating in various activities, including an interfaith dialogue at Istiqlal Mosque and a grand mass at Jakarta Cathedral.
He is the third Vatican head of state to visit the country, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.
The Pope's decision to include Indonesia in his itinerary stems from the fact that, despite being a Muslim-majority country, Indonesia is home to around 8.5 million Catholics who live peacefully alongside their interfaith brothers and sisters.
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Translator: Benardy F/Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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