Visiting The Gathering Tunnel, Pope Francis: May You Be A Symbol Of Peaceful Joint Life

Pope Francis and Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar in a tunnel that is integrated with the Jakarta Cathedral Church Thursday 5 September 2024 (Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis hopes that the Gathering Tunnel connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church, Jakarta can be a symbol of life together.

This was conveyed by him when meeting with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasarudin Umar at the visit of his three hearts in Indonesia, Thursday, September 5. Pope Francis also expressed his wish that dialogue between religious communities could be more open.

"I hope our communities can be more open to dialogue between religious believers and hopefully become a symbol of a peaceful common life and characterize Indonesia," he said at the meeting.

Pope Francis on that occasion also reminded that friendship between religious communities should be maintained. Although different, everyone has the same task in the end, namely helping others.

"Regarding the signs of threats, against dark times, we are fighting with a sign of brotherhood that welcomes others and respects their identity, prompts them to a joint journey that is carried out in friendship and that takes us to the light," said the leader of the Catholics.

"I pray to Allah, the creator of all things, that He bless all those who pass through this tunnel in the spirit of friendship, harmony, and brotherhood," Pope Francis concluded.