TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Pope Francis will sign a humanitarian document during his apostolic visit to Indonesia. The document concerned the commitment to interfaith harmony and will be signed by the Pope and the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar.
“The humanitarian document that will be signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque has been thoroughly prepared by the religious communities between the Vatican and the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference and the Istiqlal Mosque,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told Tempo on Monday, September 2, 2024.
Pope Francis inked a similar document during his 2019 visit to Abu Dhabi. The ‘Human Fraternity’ document called for religious leaders to participate in maintaining world peace and resolving environmental and human rights issues.
Retno said Pope Francis has a habit of visiting religious figures of the majority religion in the country he currently visits. Chair of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, Anton Subianto, said the Pope will meet with interfaith figures in addition to the Grand Imam.
“The request came directly from the Vatican,” Anton told Tempo on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Pope Francis will attend a meeting with interfaith figures and sign the humanitarian document at the Istiqlal Mosque on Thursday, September 5, 2024. After, he will lead a mass for Catholics at the GBK Stadium.
Meanwhile, Retno said the Pope’s arrival is a vital milestone in interfaith relations to maintain peace. “Amid global situations marred by conflict between countries, this spirit should be the basis for every relationship between humans and between countries,” said Retno.
Pope Francis arrived in Indonesia on September 3, 2024, after a 14-hour journey from Rome. After Indonesia, the Pope will continue his visit to Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
Editor’s Choice: Pope Francis Arrives in Indonesia, Welcomed by Jakarta Archbishop, Minister
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
