Pope Francis’ Visit: A Moment to Enhance Religious Tolerance
Jakarta – Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world, has become a historic moment that not only strengthens the bilateral relationship between the Vatican and Indonesia but also reinforces the spirit of religious tolerance in the country.
The Pope’s journey, marked by interfaith meetings, dialogues with religious leaders, and a warm welcome from the Indonesian people, has witnessed how differences in beliefs can be embraced in the spirit of brotherhood and peace.
The Deputy for Coordination of National Unity at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Janedjri M. Gaffar, stated that in accordance with the direction of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto, the government ensures that the visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia, scheduled for September 3 to 6, 2024, can proceed in an orderly, safe, and smooth manner.
“According to the instructions of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, we are all discussing the readiness of all elements so that the visit of Pope Francis can proceed smoothly,” he said.
Pope Francis’s visit is expected to serve as a catalyst for deepening understanding, appreciating differences, and building bridges of peace among various religious communities in Indonesia.
The Nusantara Center invites all followers of religions outside the Catholic Church in Indonesia to warmly welcome and support the agenda of Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia.
“All parties of religious followers in Indonesia should support and appreciate the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia,” said the President Director of Lafadz Nusantara Center, Deni Iskandar, during an audience and gathering with Baha’i followers in Indonesia, in Ciputat Timur, South Tangerang, Banten.
As is known, Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia took place in Jakarta, and during his time in Indonesia, Pope Francis visited several places, including the Jakarta Cathedral, the State Palace, Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, and Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta.
“We convey to the followers of the Baha’i faith that in the agenda of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, there is an important agenda that could serve as a good momentum for the Indonesian nation, namely the dialogue of Pope Francis at Istiqlal Mosque with religious leaders,” explained Deni.
In line with this, the Baha’i community in Indonesia, represented by Nasrin Astani, warmly welcomed the Silaturahmi Lafadz Nusantara Center to the Baha’i community in Indonesia, and also expressed high appreciation for their readiness to support the agenda of Pope Francis’s visit.
“We greatly appreciate the agenda of Pope Francis’ visit.” As far as we know, Pope Francis is very vocal about Humanity and Human Brotherhood. Then that spirit is also present in our teachings (Baha’i faith) and for Indonesia, it is all already encompassed in the values of Pancasila. “We from the Baha’i community are ready to support the agenda of Pope Francis’s visit,” explained Nasrin Astani.
