BTN News: In a powerful display of unity and purpose, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, committed to combating religious violence and protecting the environment during a landmark meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 5, 2024. The historic encounter, held at the Istiqlal Mosque, underscored the shared resolve to foster interfaith friendship and address the pressing challenges of religious intolerance and climate change. Through their joint initiative, the “Declaration of Istiqlal,” the two leaders have charted a path toward greater cooperation among religious communities in Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
A Symbolic Meeting at Jakarta’s Iconic Mosque
On a visit marked by meaningful gestures and deep symbolism, Pope Francis met with representatives of six officially recognized religions in Indonesia—Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Protestantism—at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The gathering highlighted the importance of religious diversity in Indonesia, where freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution but often challenged by acts of discrimination and violence.
“Tunnel of Friendship” Connects Faiths and Hearts
A key moment in the visit was the Pope and Grand Imam’s walk to the entrance of the “Tunnel of Friendship,” a symbolic underground passage linking the Istiqlal Mosque with the nearby Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Described as a potent symbol of religious harmony, the tunnel embodies Indonesia’s commitment to interfaith dialogue despite past challenges, including at least 123 recorded cases of intolerance from 2021 to 2024, as noted by Amnesty International.
Promoting Peace and Rejecting Violence in God’s Name
During the meeting, Pope Francis emphasized the vital role of religious traditions in guiding people “through the tunnel of life towards the light.” He urged Indonesians of all faiths to build “open societies founded on mutual respect and love,” distancing themselves from “rigidity, fundamentalism, and extremism” that are always dangerous and never justified. The Grand Imam echoed these sentiments, stating that religion must never be misused to justify violence but rather be a force for peace and the protection of human dignity.
A Powerful Call to Protect the Planet
In addition to addressing religious harmony, the “Declaration of Istiqlal” focused on urgent environmental concerns. It called for decisive actions to protect the environment and its resources, holding human actions accountable for contributing to the current climate crisis. The declaration condemned the exploitation of natural resources, noting that it leads to destructive consequences like natural disasters, global warming, and unpredictable weather patterns. This message resonates strongly with both Pope Francis, known for his environmental advocacy, and Indonesia, a tropical archipelago with vast rainforests and endangered species at risk.
An Emotional Encounter Highlighted by Personal Gestures
The meeting also revealed the personal side of both leaders. As Pope Francis prepared to leave in his wheelchair, Grand Imam Umar, aged 65, leaned over to kiss his head—a gesture of deep respect. The Pope responded by taking the Imam’s hand, kissing it, and pressing it to his cheek, showcasing the profound bond between them. Earlier, a visually impaired Indonesian teenager, Kayla Nur Syahwa, set an emotional tone by reciting Quranic verses on tolerance among diverse religions.
Pope Francis’s Broader Mission in Asia and Oceania
The visit to Indonesia marks the start of an 11-day journey for Pope Francis across four countries in Asia and Oceania, aimed at reinforcing religious harmony and cooperation. After Indonesia, his tour includes stops in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, before concluding on September 13, 2024. Notably, he is only the third pope to visit Indonesia, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.
A Commitment to Unity in a Land of Diversity
With Catholics comprising only 3% of Indonesia’s 275 million inhabitants, this visit is a significant step in strengthening Catholic-Muslim relations. Indonesia is home to the largest Catholic seminary in the world and a vital source of priests and nuns. Pope Francis’s mission is not just about dialogue; it is about supporting religious minorities and advancing the cause of peace in a region where interfaith coexistence is often tested.
Conclusion:
Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia is a historic move toward fostering religious harmony and environmental stewardship. Through the “Declaration of Istiqlal,” he and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar have set a global example of collaboration between faiths, calling for an end to violence in the name of religion and a commitment to protect our shared planet. As he continues his journey across Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis carries a message of peace, respect, and unity, aimed at bringing diverse communities closer together in pursuit of a common good.
