Imam Besar Istiqlal Mosque Showcases Gathering Tunnel To Pope Francis

Pope Francis received the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar in the courtyard of the Istiqal Mosque, Thursday 5 September 2024 (Tsa Tsia/VOI)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis met with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasarudin Umar during his third friendly visit in Indonesia, Thursday, September 5. The leader of the Catholics was even invited to see the Gathering Tunnel.

"This tunnel was built last year by the Indonesian government, President Joko Widodo, and its function is to connect two very functional places of worship. Therefore, we ask you, Your Honor, to be a witness to the function of trowongan," Nasarudin said in his remarks, Thursday, September 5.

This tunnel connects the Istiqlal Mosque with the Cathedral Church, Jakarta. Nasarudin then explained the function of this building to Pope Francis, including the matter of parking spaces that can accommodate a thousand cars because it consists of two floors.

"In this tunnel there is a very beautiful sight, which symbolizes the symbol of friendship, very good cooperation between religious communities, and this tunnel can be used for meetings between religious communities," he explained.

He hopes that the existence of the Gathering Tunnel will not only be a bridge of friendship between Catholics and Islam. Symbols of unity between religious communities and between human beings can also be taken from here.

"As we hope with Your Majesty, hopefully with this gathering tunnel it will become a bridge of brotherhood, not only Catholic and Islamic, but between religious communities, and between human beings," he concluded.