Jakarta. Pope Francis spoke of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution --which lays the country’s fundamental principles-- during his talks with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday.

Some time before noon, Pope Francis came to Jakarta’s palace for some talks zeroing in on peace and interfaith harmony. Pope Francis told Jokowi of the Catholic Church’s intentions to serve the “common good” and bolster ties with different state agencies. The Church also wishes to encourage a “more balanced social structure as well as a fairer and a more distribution of social aid”. The 87-year-old pope then went on to talk of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution.

“I would like to refer to the preambles of your 1945 Constitution, which offers a valuable insight into the path that the democratic and independent Indonesia has selected,” Pope Francis said. 

“Twice in several lines, the preamble of your constitution refers to Almighty God and the need for God's blessing to descend upon the nascent Indonesian nation. In the same way, the preamble to your constitution refers twice to social justice: as the foundation of the desired international order and as one of the goals to be achieved for the benefit of all Indonesians,” the pope added.

“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” --also known as the “unity in diversity”-- was also among the major themes in the highly anticipated meeting. The country’s signature motto signifies how Indonesians live in harmony regardless of their cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

“Unity in diversity, social justice, and divine blessing are therefore essential principles that are meant to inspire and guide the social order. These principles can be likened to a supporting structure, a solid foundation on which to build a house. Are we not surely aware that these principles are very much in line with the motto of my visit to Indonesia: ‘Faith, Fraternity, Compassion’?” Pope Francis said.

The 1945 Constitution, which includes the state ideology Pancasila, embraces monotheism. The document states that Indonesia shall be built into a sovereign state based on “a belief in the one and only God”, while guaranteeing all Indonesians the freedom of worship. It also asks for God's grace for Indonesia to be independent.

The Vatican City recognized Indonesia’s independence in 1947, making it among the first countries to do so. Indonesia officially declared its independence on August 17, 1945.

Pope Francis will be in Jakarta until Friday. 

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