Pope Francis’ Visit Strengthens Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia

Jakarta – The Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, believes that Pope Francis’ visit holds profound and significant meaning for Indonesia. Moreover, the highest leader of the Catholic community and head of the Vatican state will take the time to meet with interfaith leaders at Istiqlal Mosque.

This was conveyed by the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, when he met with the media in Jakarta during the visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia.

“This is extraordinary because the Pope is the number one person in Catholicism and also the head of state.” “This visit is a great honor for Indonesia and the Muslim community in Indonesia with the arrival of a special guest,” he stated.

Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia this year will certainly strengthen interfaith dialogue in Indonesia, he said.

Specifically, he stated that the Istiqlal Mosque has prepared everything well to welcome Pope Francis. Currently, this largest mosque in Indonesia has established standards for receiving important guests, as almost all heads of state visiting Indonesia take the time to visit.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Coordinator of Media for the Papal Visit Committee, Father Anthonius Gregorius Angelo Lalu, stated that Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia is not just a diplomatic agenda, but also a symbol of the emotional connection between the Pope and Catholics around the world, especially in Indonesia.

“In Rome, the Pope is called ‘Papa,’ so for Catholics, the Pope is regarded as a father.” “When he came to visit, it was like a father wanting to meet his sons and daughters,” he added.

The theme of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, which is faith, brotherhood, and compassion, reflects the values that Pope Francis wishes to instill during his meetings with the Catholic community and Indonesian society in general, he emphasized.

These three values are very relevant in the context of Indonesia, which is known as a country with a diverse society, yet able to coexist in harmony, he concluded.