...do not get tired of dreaming and rebuilding a peaceful civilization! Always dare to dream of brotherhood!
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Pope Francis has asked Indonesian Catholics to never tire of building civilization and peace in the archipelago or Nusantara.

"Do not get tired of sailing and casting your nets; do not get tired of dreaming and rebuilding a peaceful civilization! Always dare to dream of brotherhood!" Pope Francis urged during a holy mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, on Thursday.

He invited Catholics to follow in the footsteps of Saint Teresa of Calcutta who always cared for the poor and promoted peace and dialogue.

"When we have nothing to give, let us give that nothing. And remember, even when you reap nothing, never get tired of sowing," he said, quoting Saint Teresa.

With God's guidance, Catholics in Indonesia must always sow the seeds of love with full confidence and prioritize the path of dialogue, rather than violence, the Pope added.

He also encouraged Indonesian Catholics to continue to show kindness of heart with the distinctive smile that is characteristic of Indonesian society and become builders of unity and peace.

"By doing so, you will spread the aroma of hope around you," he said.

He then asked Catholics, as well as all Indonesian people, to promise to walk together for the good of society and to become builders of hope that opens up endless joy.

Pope Francis is visiting Indonesia as part of his apostolic journey to the Asia-Pacific. The 12-day visit, which began on September 3, 2024, and will end on September 13, is the longest the Pope has ever undertaken in 11 years of papacy.

Pope Francis is the third Vatican leader to pay a visit to Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.

The esteemed religious figure will stay in Indonesia until tomorrow before proceeding to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.

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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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