Thursday Morning Pope Francis Visits Istiqlal Mosque, Signs Humanitarian Documents With Interfaith Leaders

Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis will visit the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, on Thursday morning 5 September. Pope Francis will sign documents with interfaith leaders who attend this morning. The document will confirm a universal agreement on humanitarian issues.

This morning's event will take place outside the Istiqlal Mosque area. This decision is intended to improve the comfort of event arrangements, as well as make it easier for the media to take pictures with the background of the Istiqlal Mosque.

A number of security officers have prepared in front of the mosque area. They carry out body checks and check all the luggage of visitors to the mosque area.

In the area inside the mosque, it was seen that there were several tents prepared to welcome the Pope this morning. There are a number of officers ready to help the visitors who come.

As is known, during his visit to Indonesia, the Pope will meet various interfaith leaders, beliefs, and community leaders.

In addition, the Pope and other figures will also make declarations of humanity and interfaith unity, including the signing of documents. The document will affirm a universal agreement on humanitarian issues.

Previously, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar said that Pope Francis' visit would later highlight clear evidence of the tolerance that was built between the Cathedral Church and the Istiqlal Mosque. He stated that the Istiqlal Mosque opposite the Jakarta Cathedral Church was a real symbol of harmony connected by the Silaturahmi Tunnel as a strong symbol of interfaith tolerance.

"Istiqlal and Cathedral are not only symbols of tolerance between Islam and Catholicism, but also for all religions, because on a regular basis, both in Istiqlal and Cathedral, interfaith dialogues are often held," said Nasaruddin Umar, on Wednesday.

According to Nasaruddin, Indonesia has a responsibility to show tolerance and peace between religions.

"The Istiqlal Mosque, as a symbol of this spirit, always strives to show an Islamic face that is inclusive and full of love. Through cross-religious cooperation and dialogue, the Istiqlal Mosque continues to promote peace and brotherhood messages," he added.