Jakarta – Pope Francis today signed the Istiqlal Declaration with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasarudin Ummar. The declaration was agreed upon during Pope Francis’ visit to the Istiqlal Mosque-Cathedral Tunnel on Thursday, September 5, 2024. The Istiqlal Declaration is a symbol of unity that Indonesia reflects to all people in the world. On that occasion, Pope Francis expressed his admiration. Pope Francis said the tunnel connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church has a very deep meaning for the unity of religious communities. In the tunnel built in 2020, various ethnicities and religions meet. Unlike tunnels in general which are pitch black, the Istiqlal tunnel looks bright because it symbolizes unity. “When we think of a tunnel, we easily imagine a dark corridor. However, here it is different. Because everything is bright. You are the light that illuminates it,” said Francis. He also views religious meetings as part of a pilgrimage. The Pope hopes that open dialogue between Islam and Catholicism and other religions in Indonesia, one of which is marked by the Silaturahmi Tunnel, can eliminate social barriers that cause conflict. Pope Francis encouraged the Indonesian people to continue on this path. So that the Indonesian people can develop their spirituality and practice their religion. Also, they can walk in search of God and contribute to the development of a society founded on an attitude of mutual respect and love. “And can be able to protect themselves from fanaticism, fundamentalism and extremism, which are always dangerous and can never be justified,” said the Pope. According to the Pope, this is not just a formality, but a path of friendship between the Indonesian people supported by civil leaders and leaders of different religions. Finally, all of this is possible because of the noble character of the Indonesian people. The Istiqlal Mosque was designed by architect Friedrich Silaban, a Christian who won the design competition. According to Pope Francis, this shows that culture and mosques in Indonesia are spaces for dialogue, spaces for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among religions and other spiritual beliefs. This, said the Pope, is a noble gift. The religious experience can be a reference for other communities. Because, this experience shows peace. “And never be a reason to be closed-minded or hostile,” said Francis. Pope Francis hopes that religious communities in Indonesia can play a role in resolving conflicts and wars through humanitarian dialogues. The Holy Father of Catholics said the world faces various challenges. For example, division due to religious manipulation.
“Therefore, we respond with a symbol of fraternity,” concluded Pope Francis.
