Pope Francis Warns of Dangers of Power in Speech Before Jokowi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis addressed the negative consequences that could arise from abuse of power in a speech delivered at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo was also present during the Pope's message.

The Pope began his speech by highlighting that conflicts often arise in various regions due to a lack of mutual respect. “From an intolerant desire to impose one's own interests, one's own position, and one-sided historical narratives with all efforts,” the Bishop of Rome stated. 

He emphasized that this attitude could lead to endless suffering for the entire community and ultimately result in bloodshed.

Pope Francis attributed various tensions that lead to violence to irresponsible power. “Because those in power want to standardize everything by imposing their vision,” the man whose birth name Jorge Mario Bergoglio declared.

He asserted that certain aspects should be left to the autonomy of each individual or group, suggesting that those in power should not exceed their authority in these matters.

The Argentine Pope then touched upon the lack of determination to achieve social justice among those in power. “Despite impressive policies, there is also a lack of a genuine forward-looking commitment to implementing the principles of social justice,” the Pope noted.

As a result, he stated that the majority of humanity is marginalized. “Without the means to live a dignified life and without protection from serious and growing social inequalities that fuel severe conflicts,” he observed.

Pope Francis delivered his speech in Italian, which was subsequently translated.

On the same occasion, President Jokowi also gave a speech. He emphasized the importance of celebrating differences. “This visit sends a very strong message about the importance of celebrating differences," Jokowi stated before Pope Francis.

Widodo informed the Pope that Indonesia is a pluralistic country composed of various ethnicities, encompassing 714 tribes and 17,000 inhabited islands.

According to the President, Indonesian citizens living on these 17,000 islands possess diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities, demonstrating the Indonesian nation's continuous efforts to maintain harmony amidst its diversity.

SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN | DANIEL A. FAJRI

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