Pope Francis and Indonesian Imam Urge Religious Peace in Jakarta

On September 5th, Pope Francis and one of Indonesia’s leading Muslim imams emphasized the significance of peace and religious harmony during the pope’s concluding day in the country.

The pope engaged in dialogue with Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar along with local leaders representing six different religions at Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Indonesia, located in Jakarta.

“We are all brothers, all pilgrims, all on our way to God, beyond what differentiates us,” Pope Francis expressed to the diverse gathering.

During their meeting, the two leaders gathered in a tunnel that connected the mosque to a prominent Catholic cathedral just across the street. Notably, Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world, hosts only a 3% Catholic demographic.

The two religious figures signed a statement underlining the importance of shared values across various religious traditions, as part of an initiative to “defeat the culture of violence and indifference.” This agreement, dubbed the “Joint Declaration of Istiqlal,” also aimed to foster reconciliation and promote peace.

“The one root common to all religious sensitivities is the quest for an encounter with the divine, the thirst for the infinite that the Almighty has placed in our hearts, the search for a greater joy and a life stronger than any type of death, which animates the journey of our lives and impels us to step out of ourselves to encounter God,” remarked Pope Francis.

The pope voiced concerns about divisions in the world, shaped by factors such as war, political conflicts, and the challenges of global warming. However, he maintained a hopeful outlook, believing that friendship and harmony remain achievable.

Following the meeting, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia’s largest soccer venue, with an expected turnout of 80,000 attendees.