Inspirational Dialogue: Pope Francis Shares a Message of Peace with Indonesian Youth

Jakarta – Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia this year has become a moment full of meaning and inspiration. During his visit, Pope Francis conveyed a message of peace and interfaith dialogue.

The Head of State Protocol, Andy Rachmianto, stated that the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, was received officially by President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

“As a state guest, there will certainly be an official state ceremony, received by the President at the Merdeka Palace, as well as activities at the State Palace,” said Andy.

He explained that Pope Francis is treated as a state guest as well as a leader of the faithful, particularly the Catholic community.

It is known that Pope Francis will undertake an apostolic journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore from September 2 to 13, 2024.

The committee for the visit of Pope Francis has announced that Indonesia will be the first country in the series of Pope Francis’s visit to the Asia-Pacific region. Following that, the Pope will continue his visit to Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) and Vanimo from September 6-9, 2024, Dili (Timor Leste) from September 9-11, 2024, and Singapore from September 11-13, 2024.

Pope Francis also met with the youth from Scholas Occurantes at the Youth Center Graha Pemuda, Jakarta Cathedral Complex. Indonesia, as a country with rich cultural and religious diversity, plays an important role in creating global harmony.

The Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, stated that he interprets the presence of Pope Francis in Indonesia as a longing of a father for his child.

“Like a child longing for the presence of a father, so too do the Catholic faithful in Indonesia yearn for the presence of their leader.” “It’s that simple,” said Cardinal Suharyo in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Symbolically, Indonesia is known as a country with high values of tolerance. This is symbolically reflected in the location of the Church of St. Mary Assumed into Heaven next to Istiqlal Mosque.

“So the Pope’s visit to Indonesia aims to strengthen the good relations between the two countries,” said Cardinal Suharyo.

Cardinal Suharyo believes that Pope Francis has a deep understanding of the values of tolerance present in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, stated that the Pope’s visit is an honor. Indonesia is not a Catholic majority, but rather a Muslim majority. Yet the Pope chose to come to Indonesia.

“For me, this is a special matter.” Why does the Pope want to visit Indonesia? It is unlikely that the Pope would want to visit a country if there is nothing in his heart. “So our inner friendship exists,” he said in an interview as quoted on the website hidupkatolik.com.

Pope Francis’s visit is not only a precious moment for Catholics but also for the entire Indonesian nation that yearns for peace and unity. With his inspiring messages, Pope Francis has left a deep mark on the hearts of Indonesian youth. [-red]