Pope Francis and Southeast Asia’s Grand Imam Unite for Interfaith Harmony in Indonesia
Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar, the grand imam of Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, united on Thursday to combat religiously inspired violence and advocate for environmental protection. Their joint call for interfaith cooperation, a significant step toward unity in diversity, was a central feature of Francis’ historic visit to Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
A Historic Encounter at Jakarta’s Iconic Mosque
In a profoundly symbolic gesture, Pope Francis visited Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque for a gathering with leaders of Indonesia’s six officially recognized religions: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. The event was held at the “Tunnel of Friendship,” an underpass that connects the mosque with the neighboring Catholic cathedral, a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to religious tolerance despite challenges.
Indonesia’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, but discrimination and violence against religious minorities persist. Between January 2021 and July 2024, Amnesty International recorded at least 123 incidents of intolerance, including attacks on places of worship.
A Message of Peace and Tolerance
Pope Francis encouraged all Indonesians to contribute to building open, respectful societies. He emphasized the urgent need to address the dangers of extremism, rigidity, and fundamentalism, stating that all religious traditions must work together to promote peace and understanding.
The pope’s trip to Indonesia is part of an 11-day tour across Asia and Oceania to foster fraternity and address religious violence. The bond between Pope Francis, 87, and Imam Umar, 65, was apparent during their emotional interaction at the mosque, with both men exchanging heartfelt gestures of respect.
The Istiqlal Declaration: A Commitment to Peace and the Environment
During a formal ceremony, Pope Francis and Imam Umar signed the “Istiqlal Declaration,” a document that advocates for peace, interfaith cooperation, and environmental protection. The declaration stresses that religion should never be used to justify violence but rather to resolve conflicts and uphold human dignity. It also calls for urgent action to address climate change, particularly critical for Indonesia, a nation vulnerable to environmental degradation.
A Nation of Unity and Faith
Imam Umar also highlighted Indonesia’s religious diversity. He noted that a Christian architect designed the Istiqlal Mosque and serves as a “big house for humanity.” This concept emphasizes the mosque’s role as a place of worship and gathering for people of all faiths, underscoring the country’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence.
Khanit Sannano, representing Indonesia’s Buddhist community, praised the interfaith event and emphasized the importance of showcasing unity to the leader of the world’s Catholics.
Pope Francis’ Legacy in Indonesia
The pope’s visit concludes with a massive Mass at Jakarta’s stadium, which is expected to draw around 60,000 people. Catholics comprise only 3% of Indonesia’s 275 million people, but the country is home to the world’s largest Catholic seminary, a crucial source of priests and nuns.
As the third pope to visit Indonesia, following in the footsteps of Paul VI in 1970 and John Paul II in 1989, Pope Francis aims to inspire Catholics and promote religious harmony. His visit has left a profound impact, with Indonesians of all faiths reflecting on the message of peace and unity.
Francis will continue his journey on Friday to Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore, marking one of the longest papal trips in history. His message of fraternity, religious tolerance, and environmental stewardship resonates deeply in a world fraught with division and ecological crises.