Jakarta, Sep 06 (V7N) — Pope Francis has urged global religious unity to fight extremism and intolerance, following a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday. The Pope emphasised the importance of interreligious dialogue in maintaining peace and harmony, while warning against extremists who use violence and distort religion for their own ends.

"Religious unity is essential in the fight against extremism and intolerance," the Pope stated. He expressed the Church's commitment to fostering dialogue between different faiths, promoting a peaceful coexistence in Indonesia and beyond.

President Widodo echoed the Pope's sentiments, underscoring Indonesia’s desire to work with the Vatican in spreading freedom and tolerance amid global unrest. Widodo noted that, in partnership with the Vatican, Indonesia hopes to be a beacon of peace in a troubled world.

Pope Francis is currently in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, as part of a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, which also includes stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.

This visit marks Pope Francis as the third Pope to visit Indonesia, following Pope John Paul II's trip in 1989. Indonesia, while predominantly Muslim, is home to about 8 million Catholic Christians, constituting less than 3% of the population. The country also officially recognises Islam, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

On Thursday, the Pope will address representatives of Indonesia's six recognised religions at the Istiklal Mosque in Jakarta, Southeast Asia’s largest mosque. Following this, he will speak at the nearby cathedral, which is connected to the mosque by a symbolic "friendship tunnel" representing the unity between these two faiths.