The Pope's Agenda In Indonesia, Welcomed By Jokowi To Meet Cross-Religious Leaders At The Istiqlal Mosque

The leader of the world's Catholic church, Pope Francis (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The leader of the world Catholic church, Pope Francis, is scheduled to visit Indonesia on September 3-6, 2024. In addition to meeting President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the State Palace, the Pope will also meet interfaith leaders at the Istiqlal Mosque.

"Arriving at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on September 3 afternoon, Pope Francis will rest before the next day carrying out a number of agendas in Jakarta," said spokesman for the Pope Francis visit committee, Rm Thomas Ulun Ismoyo in his statement, Tuesday, August 27.

The man who is familiarly called Romo Ulun said that on September 4 morning, Pope Francis was scheduled to meet Jokowi at the State Palace, followed by a private meeting with the priests of the Jesus Union at the Jakarta Cathedral Church and meeting religious youth groups in the same place.

Pope Francis will also meet interfaith leaders at the Istiqlal Mosque. "This meeting has an important role because it is a symbol of unity and tolerance between religious communities in Indonesia," he said.

Father Ulun added, from the Istiqlal Mosque, Pope Francis will continue his agenda, leading the Kudus Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) and the Madya Stadium, Senayan, which is expected to be attended by around 86,000 Catholics.

"The Pope will greet and express God's love to all the people present," he said.

On the same occasion, the high priest of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar welcomed the visit of this world Catholic leader. According to him, the Istiqlal Mosque, which is located opposite the Jakarta Cathedral Church, is a symbol of real harmony.

The two largest religious buildings stand side by side, even connected with the friendship tunnel which is a symbol of interfaith tolerance.

"Istiqlal and Cathedral are not only symbols of Islam and Catholicism tolerance, but also other religions, because actually on a regular basis in Istiqlal and our cathedrals often have dialogues between religions," he said.

According to him, as a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia has a big responsibility to show that Islam is a peaceful religion and respects differences.