"He conveyed a message to the president to convey his greetings to all Indonesian people, especially to the youth and children of Indonesia. He specifically conveyed his greetings to them," Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who accompanied President Jokowi in the meeting, remarked.
According to the minister, Pope Francis was impressed by the way in which Indonesians embrace differences.
The leader of the Catholic Church referred to the children and youngsters who welcomed him upon arrival at the Palace before the state ceremony began.
Marsudi said Pope Francis expressed his admiration for the warm welcome, as well as the diversity of young Indonesians.
The Pope also emphasized the importance of schools and education so people could be taught to appreciate differences from an early age.
"This is the function of education. Schools are very important because, from a young age, it is important for children to be educated to respect differences. If all of them, all of us respect differences, then peace can be maintained," Marsudi stated while quoting the Pope.
Related news: Pope Francis praises Indonesians for hospitality: FM
Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia is part of his Asia-Oceania apostolic journey, taking place on September 3-13, 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 be 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.
Related news: Pope Francis' visit proves Indonesia treasures diversity: grand Imam
Related news: Pope Francis prays for peace in Indonesia
Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
