The Pope in Indonesia: Strong on content, weak physically

Pope Francis is still smarting from the 13-hour flight to the Indonesian capital Jakarta. On his first official day of his visit - Tuesday was a rest day - the 87-year-old completed his full programme on Wednesday with clear signs of fatigue, visibly finding it difficult to concentrate. The hot and humid climate, the time difference and the omnipresent smog in the metropolis of 11 million people are making themselves felt.

In terms of content, the head of the Catholic Church made a considerable political statement right from the start. Shortly after landing, Francis met refugees, including Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar, at the local Vatican embassy. The Pope regularly recalls the fate of these people, who flee persecution to Bangladesh and live there in overcrowded refugee camps under degrading conditions. Many are drawn from there to other countries, such as Indonesia. But even there, their situation often does not improve.

Against extremism and intolerance

In his speech to politicians and diplomats this morning, Francis called for a fight against extremism and intolerance. He warned against the emergence of violent conflicts due to a lack of mutual respect and the intolerant desire to assert one's own interests, one's own position or one's own partial representation of history at all costs.

A message for the Middle East too? In any case, outgoing President Joko Widodo thanked Francis for the Vatican's attention to Palestine, which is supported by Indonesia. However, according to a spokesperson, the Middle East war was not a topic of discussion during their private meeting.

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Indonesia has long been known for its moderate and tolerant Islam, religious freedom is part of the constitution and Indonesia's motto is "unity in diversity". However, extremist tendencies and discrimination against minorities are on the rise here too. The Pope appealed not to lose sight of the founding mission of the large Southeast Asian country.

"This wise and sensitive balance between the diversity of cultures and different convictions on the one hand and the principles that consolidate unity on the other must be constantly defended against any imbalance," the Pope demanded. In particular, he called on politicians to work for harmony, justice, respect for human rights, sustainable development, solidarity and peace.

Strong Catholic minority

He cited the Catholic Church as a strong dialogue partner. Francis met with its members in the afternoon and did not shy away from making clear statements to them either, calling for fraternity, equal recognition of all as well as compassion and sensitivity - also in the proclamation of faith.

Francis visibly relaxed in the familiar surroundings of a Catholic cathedral. For the first time on his trip, he met a large number of Catholics, who make up around three per cent of the approximately 280 million Indonesians. So far, his visit to Jakarta had hardly been noticed publicly.

But in the early afternoon, hundreds of people were already waiting outside the packed church - some of whom had travelled from the Philippines. They welcomed Francis on numerous colourfully decorated posters. Among the many participants in the cathedral were bishops, religious and some candidates for the priesthood. When asked about the personal significance of the Pope's visit, a seminarian from Sumatra replied: "I just prayed for it - and God answered me."