In his address to the Indonesian authorities, Pope Francis emphasized the nation’s motto of “Unity in Diversity” at the Istana Negara Presidential Palace Hall on September 4.

“Your national motto Bhinneka tunggal ika (United in Diversity, literally Many but One) captures well this multifaceted reality of diverse peoples firmly united in one nation,” the pope said.

Pope Francis stressed that embracing the spirit of fraternity is a crucial need for harmony in diversity.

After the meeting with the Indonesian authorities, Pope Francis met privately with the Jesuits in Indonesia at the Apostolic nunciature in Jakarta.

In the evening, Pope Francis met with bishops, priests, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians, and catechists in the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, in Jakarta.

He invited them to bear witness to the joy of the Resurrection and to be strong in faith, open to all in the fraternity, and close to one another in compassion in their mission.

After the meeting with the Indonesian clergy, Pope Francis met with the youth of “Scholas Occurentes” in the Youth Center Grha Pemuda, Jakarta, and discussed diversity and unity.

Scholas is a global educational project founded by the Pope that engages youth in education, art, and sports.

The Pope was greeted by 200 young people from the Indonesian branch, who come from various islands, schools, and religions.

Eight million Catholics make up 3 percent of the Indonesian population. There are 1340 recognized ethnic groups in Indonesia.

• With inputs from Vatican News