Jakarta – The supreme leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is visiting Indonesia. During his stay in Indonesia, Pope Francis’ agenda is to visit the Istiqlal Mosque, which marks a significant step in strengthening interfaith dialogue and strengthening unity in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
Pope Francis also held interfaith dialogues with hundreds of religious leaders in Indonesia. This dialogue was a major focus of the Pope’s visit, as he sees Indonesia as an example of a multicultural country that is able to live in harmony and peace.
Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar said that the Pope’s visit was an honor. Indonesia is not predominantly Catholic, even predominantly Muslim. But the Pope chose to come to Indonesia.
“For me, this is special. Why would the Pope want to visit Indonesia? There is no way the Pope would want to visit a country if there is nothing in his heart. So we have an inner friendship,” he said in an interview as quoted on the hidupkatolik.com page.
After visiting the Istiqlal Mosque, Pope Francis continued his visit to the office of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).
KWI Chairman, Bishop Antonius Bunjamin Subianto, OSC, said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was a humanitarian mission and a mission of brotherhood.
“Because the Pope’s arrival in Indonesia is not only important about his visit, that is also important and necessary, and many people are looking forward to it, but also how to socialize various teachings and practice them in our daily lives,” said Antonius.
Pope Francis will also lead a Mass held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. The Pope called for the importance of unity and tolerance.
Indonesia, with its extraordinary diversity, is an example of how differences can be a source of strength.
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is seen as a significant moment in the history of interfaith relations in the country. It is hoped that the visit will further strengthen the spirit of tolerance and unity amidst Indonesia’s diversity.
