Jakarta – The Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, assessed that Pope Francis’ visit has a deep and important meaning for Indonesia. Moreover, the highest leader of the Catholic community and the head of state of the Vatican will take the time to meet with interfaith leaders at the Istiqlal Mosque.
This was conveyed by the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. KH. Nasaruddin Umar when met by media crew in Jakarta during Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia.
“This is extraordinary because the Pope is the number one person in Catholicism and also the head of state. This visit is a great honor for Indonesia and Muslims in Indonesia to have a special guest,” he said.
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia this year will certainly further strengthen interfaith dialogue in Indonesia, he said.
In particular, he stated that the Istiqlal Mosque has prepared everything well to welcome Pope Francis. Currently, the largest mosque in Indonesia already has standards for receiving important guests, because almost all heads of state who visit Indonesia take the time to visit.
Meanwhile, Deputy Media Coordinator for the Pope Francis Visit Committee, Father Anthonius Gregorius Angelo Lalu, said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was not just a diplomatic agenda, but also a symbol of the emotional relationship between the Pope and Catholics throughout the world, especially in Indonesia.
“In Rome, the Pope is called ‘Papa,’ so for Catholics, the Pope is considered a father. When he comes to visit, it’s like a father who wants to meet his children,” he added.
The theme of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, namely faith, brotherhood and compassion, reflects the values that Pope Francis wants to instill in his meetings with Catholics and Indonesian society in general, he said.
These three values are very relevant in the context of Indonesia, which is known as a country with a diverse society, but is able to live side by side in harmony, he concluded.