Pope praises harmonious coexistence between faiths in Indonesia

Grand Imam greets Pope. Image Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis began the third day of his Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania on Thursday, 5 September, by visiting the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, for an interreligious meeting in southeast Asia's largest mosque.

Welcoming him was the Grand Imam, Dr Nasaruddin Umar. Together they visited the 'Tunnel of Friendship,' which provides an underground walkway connecting the Istiqlal Mosque with the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption.

They also signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024, underscoring that the values common to all religious traditions be effectively promoted to "defeat the culture of violence and indifference" and promote reconciliation and peace.

In his address, Pope Francis thanked the Grand Imam for his warmth and hospitality, and for reminding everyone how this place of worship and prayer is "a great house for humanity" where people can take time to remember the "yearning for the infinite" that we carry in our hearts and the need "to seek an encounter with the divine and experience the joy of friendship with others."

The Pope paid tribute to the "great gift" of Indonesians in their work to promote "dialogue, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence between religions and different spiritual sensibilities."

He said that the Mosque's history is a testament to these efforts, recalling that a local Christian architect, Friedrich Silaban, won the design competition for building it.

The Pope encouraged them to cultivate this gift every day, "so that religious experiences may be reference points for a fraternal and peaceful society."

The 'Tunnel of Friendship' connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption also marks "an eloquent sign" the Pope observed, as these two places of worship not only face each other, but are linked to one another, allowing for "encounter, dialogue... a genuine experience of fraternity."

He said may each of us in our spiritual journey "walk in search of God and contribute to building open societies, founded on reciprocal respect and mutual love, capable of protecting against rigidity, fundamentalism and extremism, which are always dangerous and never justifiable."

"The one root common to all religious sensitivities: 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."

The Pope went on to emphasize that by looking deeper at our lives, we can appreciate that in light of the common "thirst for the infinite," we can discover how we are all brothers and sisters, "all pilgrims, all on our way to God, beyond what differentiates us."

The Pope then highlighted the importance of preserving the bonds of friendship by focusing on what unites us in the midst of the richness of our diversity as we "seek the truth together" and can learn from each other's religious traditions and come together "to meet our human and spiritual needs."

We can also pursue the same goals together, the Pope observed, such as defending human dignity, helping the poor, promoting peace, and protecting the environment.

In conclusion, the Pope said "fostering religious harmony for the sake of humanity" is our common calling and the title of the joint declaration just signed. In doing so, we can respond together to the crises, wars, conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering, "unfortunately caused at times by the manipulation of religion."

By effectively promoting the values common to all religious traditions, we can work to "defeat the culture of violence and indifference... and promote reconciliation and peace," the Pope said, quoting from the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal.

"If it is true that you are home to the world's largest gold mine, know that the most precious treasure is the determination that differences can be harmonized through concord and mutual respect instead of being a cause for conflict…May everyone instead be awestruck by the dream of a free, fraternal and peaceful society and humanity!"

At the Headquarters of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI - Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia), for the second event of the day Pope Francis met with beneficiaries from several charitable organisations.

The President of the Bishops' Conference, Bishop Antonius Subianto, opened the meeting by describing the people of Indonesia's love for the Pope as "boundless", before introducing him to some of the ill, disabled, and poor present in the KWI. Two of them shared their stories.

Mimi was the first to tell her story. She lost her sight when she was 17. "As a young Catholic, I found solace in the Way of the Cross," she said. Jesus did not abandon her and for this reason, she continued, "I firmly believe that God created human beings with unique abilities to enrich the diversity of our world, and disability is just one of these unique aspects."

The Church's role is crucial in ensuring the dignity of the human person, she concluded, before thanking the Pope for his compassion, which, she added, "gives us hope."

Then, a young athlete named Andrew spoke. He was diagnosed with a mild autism spectrum disorder, and with mild intellectual disability.

"My parents love me unconditionally," he told the Pope. He proudly shared that he has been selected as the East Jakarta Contingent for the Paralympic games for swimming and that, in his desire to be independent, has "started a barista course and guitar and drum lessons."

Finally, he asked the Pope to bless his parents, and "all parents with special children worldwide."

Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to all those present, and to those who shared their testimonies with him. He praised the Indonesian Bishops' Conference for celebrating their 100th anniversary, highlighting their significance as "small bright stars" in the Church.

The Pope thanked Mimi for emphasising the uniqueness of human abilities, which "enrich the diversity of our world", and for speaking of Jesus as "our beacon of hope." He then congratulated Andrew for his participation in the Paralympic Games, before recognising all of those present as "champions of love in the great Olympics of life."

After this, doing perhaps what he loves best, Pope Francis slowly wheeled his wheelchair up and down the aisles, stopping to greet every single boy, girl, man and woman with a touch, a hug, an exchange of closeness and compassion that needed no words, and that left hardly a dry eye in the room.

Concluding his brief greetings, Pope Francis reminded everyone that "the Lord loves all of us" and never forgets anyone. In this spirit, the Pope then sent his best wishes to a lady celebrating her 87th birthday who was ill and unable to attend the event.

In the evening, more than 100,000 people gathered in Jakarta's main Gelora Bung Karno stadium, for Mass with Pope Francis - the final event of his visit to Indonesia.

During his homily the Pope said: "Guided by the word of the Lord,I encourage you to sow seeds of love, confidently tread the path of dialogue, continue to show your goodness and kindness... and be builders of unity and peace."

His appeal to foster fraternity in a divided and shattered world resonated loudly in this pluralistic and diverse nation of many islands, languages, and creeds.

LINKS

Official text of Pope's address in the. Istiqlal Mosque Jakarta, 5 September 2024 www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/september/documents/20240905-indonesia-incontro-interreligioso.html

Watch Mass in the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ghAzQI1caw