Wahyu Dwi Anggoro
IDXChannel - Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia on 3-6 September has emphasized the messages of interreligious tolerance, unity, and global peace amidst the heightened tension in several parts of the world.
"Pope Francis called for world peace, declaring that war is a defeat for all humanity. He also expressed admiration for Indonesian youth, stressing the importance of education in teaching children to appreciate diversity," the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said in a media release.
"Pope Francis praised Indonesia's diversity under the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). He also hoped that Indonesia is committed to implement the principle of social justice as enshrined in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution, and that this principle serves as a foundation for the international order," the Ministry said.
During his visit, Pope Francis was welcomed by Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar at the Istiqlal Mosque. The two leaders signed the 2024 Istiqlal Joint Declaration: Fostering Religious Harmony for the Sake of Humanity with other religious figures in Indonesia the Declaration underscored the vital role of religion in addressing dehumanization and climate change. The Pope also visited the front section of Silaturahmi Tunnel, which connects Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral, symbolizing religious harmony in Indonesia.
The visit was closed with the holy mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, attended by over 80,000 Catholics from across Indonesia.
