The Pope’s visit to Indonesia, Religious Leaders Emphasize the Importance of Tolerance and Peace.
Jakarta – Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia in early September 2024 is being welcomed with great enthusiasm by various groups. Not only Catholics, but also figures from other religions, including the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), view this visit as an important moment to strengthen the values of tolerance and religious moderation in Indonesia.
The chairman of PBNU, Ulil Abshar Abdalla (Gus Ulil), emphasized that the arrival of Pope Francis brings a breath of fresh air for interfaith dialogue. This visit will show the world that Indonesia is a country capable of nurturing diversity and promoting interfaith dialogue.
“This visit by Pope Francis is a tangible proof that tolerance and religious moderation are increasingly rooted in Indonesia. This is the result of a long process that has now brought us to a point where the world sees Indonesia as a model in nurturing diversity,” said Gus Ulil.
Gus Ulil also highlighted the importance of seizing the moment of Pope Francis’ arrival to strengthen interfaith dialogue, considering that Indonesia has recently also welcomed the visit of Grand Sheikh Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb.
“This is a rare opportunity where two great religious figures of the world visit Indonesia in close succession, demonstrating that Indonesia is an important center for global peace and brotherhood efforts,” he added.
Gus Ulil added that all elements of society are urged to maintain a conducive and harmonious atmosphere while the Pope is in Indonesia.
“The community is expected to welcome this visit with a spirit of brotherhood and maintain a conducive atmosphere, so that the message of peace and tolerance brought by Pope Francis can be realized in daily life in Indonesia,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Padang, MGR Vitus Rubianto Solichin, stated that the bishops in Indonesia hope that Pope Francis’ visit can convey a message of peace, faith, and love.
This visit should be a moment for religious communities in Indonesia to become agents of peace and love amidst the existing diversity.
“We hope that with the visit of Pope Francis, he will voice brotherhood, faith, and love so that we all truly become agents of peace and love among the people of Indonesia, which is rich in cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial diversity,” said Vitus.
For your information, Pope Francis’s visit is scheduled to take place from September 3 to 6, 2024, with various important agendas including a meeting with President Joko Widodo, a visit to Istiqlal Mosque, and a grand worship service at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. After Indonesia, Pope Francis will continue his apostolic journey to Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
