Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “ Indonesia, as a multi-religious country with the largest Muslim population of any nation in the world, plays an important and positive role in promoting interreligious cooperation, both within its borders and in the international community”. With the words the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the new Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See, received in audience on 12 November for the presentation of Letters of credence. Dialogue, respect for the convictions of others, and collaboration in the service of peace - the Pope said in his discourse - are the surest means of securing social concord. These are among the noblest goals which can bring together men and women of good will, and, in a particular way, all those who worship the one God who is the Creator and beneficent Lord of the whole human family. A promising development in this regard is represented by the growing instances of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia, aimed particularly at the prevention of ethnic and religious conflicts in the most troubled areas”.
The Holy Father observed that in Indonesia although Catholics are only a small minority, “through their network of educational and health care institutions, they seek to offer a significant service to their brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, and to instil the ethical values fundamental for authentic civic progress and peaceful coexistence. While their right to the free exercise of their religion in complete equality with their fellow citizens is guaranteed by the national Constitution, the protection of this fundamental human right calls for constant vigilance on the part of all.”.
Benedict XVI also remarked that Indonesia recently acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and he said “ and I am confident that this will help to further consolidate the freedom and legitimate autonomy of individual Christians and their institutions. As Indonesia now sits as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, I take the present occasion to express my confidence that the principles which inspire your own national policies of pacification, dialogue and tolerance will enable Indonesia to make a fruitful contribution to the solution of global conflicts and the promotion of a peace based on international solidarity and concern for the integral development of individuals and peoples”.
In his address the Holy Father mentioned Indonesia's efforts to foster progress in democracy and social harmony “enshrined in the Constitution and eloquently expressed in the national philosophy of Pancasila”, and on the dramatic phenomenon of international terrorism, appreciating the position of the Indonesian government “condemning terrorist violence, under whatever pretext it occurs, as a criminal offence which, by its contempt for human life and freedom, undermines the very foundations of society. ”. Then Benedict XVI affirmed: “ This is particularly the case when the holy name of God is invoked as a justification for such acts. The Church at every level, in fidelity to the teaching of her Master, unequivocally condemns the manipulation of religion for political ends, while urging the application of international humanitarian law in every aspect of the fight against terrorism ”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/11/2007; righe 36, parole 483)
