VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Suprapto Martosemoto, the new ambassador of Indonesia to the Holy See, presented his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father. Addressing the diplomat in English, the Pope began his talk by praising Indonesia for its "commitment to pursue policies aimed at advancing the noble goals of democracy and social harmony enshrined in the Constitution."
"This determination, which calls for sacrifice ... and the cooperation of all political and social groups, is indispensable for overcoming the forces of polarization and conflict, carrying forward the renewal of economic life and consolidating a just democratic order in full respect for the rights of every individual and community.
"Certainly at present one of the gravest threats to Indonesia's cherished ideal of national unity is the phenomenon of international terrorism," the Pope added, expressing his appreciation for the Indonesian government's "position of condemning terrorist violence, under whatever pretext it occurs, as a criminal offence which, by its contempt for human life and freedom, undermines the very foundations of society.
"This is particularly the case when the holy name of God is invoked as a justification for such acts. The Church, ... in fidelity to the teaching of her Master, unequivocally condemns the manipulation of religion for political ends, while urging the application of international humanitarian law in every aspect of the fight against terrorism."
He proceeded: "Indonesia, as a multi-religious country with the largest Muslim population of any nation in the world, plays an important and positive role in promoting inter-religious cooperation, both within its borders and in the international community. Dialogue, respect for the convictions of others, and collaboration in the service of peace are the surest means of securing social concord."
In this context, the Pope mentioned the "promising development ... represented by the growing instances of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia, aimed particularly at the prevention of ethnic and religious conflicts in the most troubled areas."
Pope Benedict then turned to consider the situation of Indonesian Catholics who, though a small minority, "desire to participate fully in the life of the nation. ... Through their network of educational and health care institutions, they seek to offer a significant service to their brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, and to instill the ethical values fundamental for authentic civic progress and peaceful coexistence.
"While their right to the free exercise of their religion in complete equality with their fellow citizens is guaranteed by the national Constitution," he added, "the protection of this fundamental human right calls for constant vigilance on the part of all.
"In this regard I note that Indonesia has recently acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and I am confident that this will help to further consolidate the freedom and legitimate autonomy of individual Christians and their institutions."
The Holy Father concluded: "As Indonesia now sits as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, I take the present occasion to express my confidence that the principles which inspire your own national policies of pacification, dialogue and tolerance will enable Indonesia to make a fruitful contribution to the solution of global conflicts and the promotion of a peace based on international solidarity and concern for the integral development of individuals and peoples."
CD/LETTERS CREDENCE/INDONESIA:MARTOSEMOTO VIS 20071112 (560)
"This determination, which calls for sacrifice ... and the cooperation of all political and social groups, is indispensable for overcoming the forces of polarization and conflict, carrying forward the renewal of economic life and consolidating a just democratic order in full respect for the rights of every individual and community.
"Certainly at present one of the gravest threats to Indonesia's cherished ideal of national unity is the phenomenon of international terrorism," the Pope added, expressing his appreciation for the Indonesian government's "position of condemning terrorist violence, under whatever pretext it occurs, as a criminal offence which, by its contempt for human life and freedom, undermines the very foundations of society.
"This is particularly the case when the holy name of God is invoked as a justification for such acts. The Church, ... in fidelity to the teaching of her Master, unequivocally condemns the manipulation of religion for political ends, while urging the application of international humanitarian law in every aspect of the fight against terrorism."
He proceeded: "Indonesia, as a multi-religious country with the largest Muslim population of any nation in the world, plays an important and positive role in promoting inter-religious cooperation, both within its borders and in the international community. Dialogue, respect for the convictions of others, and collaboration in the service of peace are the surest means of securing social concord."
In this context, the Pope mentioned the "promising development ... represented by the growing instances of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia, aimed particularly at the prevention of ethnic and religious conflicts in the most troubled areas."
Pope Benedict then turned to consider the situation of Indonesian Catholics who, though a small minority, "desire to participate fully in the life of the nation. ... Through their network of educational and health care institutions, they seek to offer a significant service to their brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, and to instill the ethical values fundamental for authentic civic progress and peaceful coexistence.
"While their right to the free exercise of their religion in complete equality with their fellow citizens is guaranteed by the national Constitution," he added, "the protection of this fundamental human right calls for constant vigilance on the part of all.
"In this regard I note that Indonesia has recently acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and I am confident that this will help to further consolidate the freedom and legitimate autonomy of individual Christians and their institutions."
The Holy Father concluded: "As Indonesia now sits as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, I take the present occasion to express my confidence that the principles which inspire your own national policies of pacification, dialogue and tolerance will enable Indonesia to make a fruitful contribution to the solution of global conflicts and the promotion of a peace based on international solidarity and concern for the integral development of individuals and peoples."
CD/LETTERS CREDENCE/INDONESIA:MARTOSEMOTO VIS 20071112 (560)
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