Jakarta, Indonesia: Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar have signed a declaration on religious harmony, urging global peace and cooperation across faiths during a landmark event at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. This came during Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, the first stop and final day of his 11-day tour across the Asia-Pacific region.
Speaking at the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, Pope Francis stressed the importance of unity among different faiths, saying, “We are all brothers, all pilgrims, all on our way to God, beyond what differentiates us.” The 87-year-old Pope also addressed the global crisis caused by war, conflict, and environmental destruction.
The Pope’s visit to the mosque also included a symbolic moment at the “Tunnel of Friendship,” a 28-meter underground passage connecting Istiqlal Mosque to a Catholic cathedral. Standing with Imam Umar at the tunnel’s entrance, the Pope described it as an “eloquent sign” of how people of different faiths can find common ground.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, recognizes six official religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. While only 3 percent of its 275 million citizens are Catholic, the country is seen as a model of religious coexistence.
Pope Francis’ trip to Indonesia is part of a broader tour that will see him travel to Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. It marks the longest international trip of his papacy and comes at a time when the Catholic Church is seeing growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
Earlier in his visit, the Pope met with outgoing Indonesian President Joko Widodo and urged the nation to uphold its values of “harmony in diversity.” He also praised Indonesians for their large families, encouraging them to continue this tradition. “You’re an example for everyone, for all the countries that prefer to have a cat or a little dog instead of a child,” he said, echoing comments he made in the past about the importance of having children.
Pope Francis, who has been using a wheelchair due to ongoing health concerns, is scheduled to lead a mass for an estimated crowd of 80,000 people at Indonesia’s main football stadium before departing for his next destination.
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