This post has been prepared in collaboration with the members of Pax Christi Asia-Pacific.

On Monday, 2 September 2024, Pope Francis embarked on a considerable journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore, at a time when his wise counsel is much needed.

On Tuesday, soon after landing in Indonesia, where he was welcomed by children, he met with refugees and migrants supported by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), orphans looked after by Dominican Sisters, and the elderly and sick assisted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. The Pope has already set the tone and indicated the character of his visit, in line with the encyclical Fratelli Tutti. This message will be relevant not only to the visited countries, but will resonate across the region, including in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, and in certain sections of the community in Australia and New Zealand.

Pax Christi International welcomes the Holy Father’s call to fight extremism and foster interreligious tolerance and social development, echoing the principle “unity in diversity” that is central to the Indonesian Constitution. A Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia is home to several minorities, including Catholics and Christians. The focus on unity is further reinforced by the inter-religious, multi-faith meeting that took place early Thursday in the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest one in Southeast Asia. The “Tunnel of Friendship” connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Jakarta is a strong symbol allowing for encounter and a true experience of fraternity. We can also pursue the same goals together, the Pope observed, such as defending human dignity, helping the poor, promoting peace, and protecting the environment.

Earlier today, Pope Francis departed Indonesia for neighbouring Papua New Guinea, where he is expected to speak more about to the plight of Pacific nation islands, for whom the safeguarding of Creation is paramount. “The Earth has a fever” and is “sick,” the Pope says in his prayer intention for September, published on 30 August on the eve of the trip and devoted entirely to the victims of environmental disasters. A re-statement of ‘our common home’ from Laudato Si’ is due to overcome resistance in some communities of Australia and New Zealand, who have the resources to assist the Pacific region. Many people will converge to Port Moresby by foot, boat or plane from less accessible sides of the country to hear the message of the Holy Father.

Unlike Indonesia, Timor-Leste is a small country with a 95% Catholic majority. It remains one of the poorest countries in the world, struggling to lift up its people after a long colonial presence. Thirty-five years after the visit of Pope John-Paul II, we hope the Catholic church will be empowered to speak to the government to act sustainably in the interests of the majority. The central theme of the apostolic visit will be “May your faith become your culture”, recalling the time before the independence when the Church sought to be close to the suffering East Timorese people and denounced the atrocities committed by the Indonesian occupying army, while working for peace and reconciliation.

On the last leg of the journey, Pope Francis will reach Singapore, a highly diverse and affluent city state with a minority Catholic community. The words of the Motto “Unity and Hope” are an invitation not only to Catholics but to all communities to persevere in inter-religious dialogue and share their prosperity with their neighbours with compassion and solidarity. 

Pope Francis’ focus on building connections among diverse communities, while also addressing global concerns echoes his reflections in Laudate Deum, where he emphasized the importance of “multilateralism from below.” This concept calls for grassroots initiatives that foster international cooperation and solidarity to tackle challenges like climate change.

Pax Christi’s mission closely aligns with this vision, as we work alongside local communities, supporting grassroots efforts to create a world rooted in justice and peace. 

Pope Francis’ call reinforces our commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, where we collaborate with local partners to address the pressing issues of our time. 

As a multi-diverse and multicultural Catholic peace movement, we reflect on the Pope’s messages and the unique contexts of each country he is visiting during his 45th apostolic journey.

We are inspired to deepen our commitment to interreligious tolerance, environmental conservation, and social justice and we look forward to working alongside our members and partners in the Asia-Pacific region to advance these crucial goals.