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Jakarta Archbishop: Pope Francis Respects Differences in Indonesia

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Jakarta — The leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, wants to learn about Islam, which is the majority religion of the Indonesian people, during his apostolic visit to Indonesia on September 3-6, 2024. The Pope is considered to have an interest in getting to know the interfaith community.

Jakarta Archbishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo said the Pope wanted to learn about Islam and would visit the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The moment proved that Indonesia is a country that upholds peace and tolerance between religious communities.

“I often hear about this, the Pope wants to appreciate our nation and of course the interfaith community appreciates and encourages that this kind of brotherhood (between religious communities in Indonesia) can continue to be maintained and developed,” said Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo at the KWI Building.

In fact, Suharyo said that on several occasions his party often met with Indonesian Islamic leaders at the Vatican.

“Specifically, the Vatican, especially Pope Francis, wants to learn a lot about Islam in Indonesia. Therefore, often when there is an event in the Vatican, Indonesian Islamic Leaders are invited and expected to speak,” he explained.

Because, Suharyo said that Islam in Indonesia has differences with other countries, especially Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, the Pope wants to study Islam in Indonesia further.

“Because Islam in Indonesia is different when compared to Islam in other countries such as Pakistan, or in the Middle East. So, it is interesting for our brothers in Europe, especially the Vatican, which has a special attention to religious communities that prioritize tolerance and differences,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, said that one of the purposes of Pope Francis’ visit was to appreciate religious freedom in Indonesia.

“Then (Pope Francis) also wants to learn again about how Indonesia, which is very diverse, can live in harmony between religions,” said Michael Trias.

Michael Trias said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was not only for Catholics, but also for all Indonesian people. The Pope’s arrival was to remind everyone that despite many differences, all Indonesian people are brothers.

In addition, said Michael Trias, Indonesia, which is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, is one of the countries with the largest missionary senders in the world. He also emphasized that Pope Francis highly appreciates Pancasila which upholds the Almighty God, recognizes humanity, fights for social justice, and prioritizes deliberation.

“It is highly respected (one of the largest missionary senders), highly appreciated by the Holy See. It (Pancasila) is also highly respected by the Pope (Francis),” he concluded.

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