Jakarta (ANTARA) - The purpose of Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia is to promote respect for the freedom of religion, especially Catholicism, according to Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono.
"He also wants to re-learn about how this very diverse country can be harmonious between (multiplicity of) religions," he added here on Thursday.
He said that by visiting Indonesia, the Pope wants to remind all people that, despite their differences, they can maintain bonds of brotherhood. He further emphasized that Pope Francis' visit will not only be meaningful for Catholics, but also for all Indonesian people.
"He (Pope Francis) is not a political figure, but a moral figure," Kuncahyono said, adding that the Pope always advocates for peace and prays for areas affected by conflicts.
Pope Francis, he added, also values Pancasila highly, upholds the one and only God, recognizes humanity, as well as fights for social justice.
"That (Pancasila) is highly respected by the Pope," Kuncahyono emphasized.
Regarding bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Vatican, he observed that their relations are improving, adding that Pope Francis is the third Pope to visit Indonesia.
He said that the Vatican has diplomatic relations with 184 countries, but not all of these countries have been visited by the Pope.
Pope Francis has never even been to Argentina, the country where he was born. Meanwhile, Kuncahyono pointed out, Indonesia--the country with the largest Muslim population in the world--is also one of the countries with the largest missionary senders in the world.
"It is highly respected by the Holy See," he added.
He said that the Vatican was the first European country to recognize Indonesia's independence in 1947, though diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1950.
The reason the Vatican recognized Indonesia's independence was because the nation's struggle for freedom was a struggle for humanity, for freeing the nation from oppression and opposing colonialism, he added.
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Kuncahyono launched his book Francis, Pope for the People on Thursday. The former journalist expressed the hope that the 340-page book will make the Indonesian people better acquainted with Pope Francis.
It is further hoped that the book can introduce Pope Francis' teachings and thoughts as well as the things he has done, he said.
"(The Pope teaches) about the poor who must be embraced, also about marginalized people who cannot speak up, we must speak up for them," he added. (INE)