Pope Francis Values Istiqlal Mosque And Cathedral Church Accompanied By Evidence Of Religious Moderation In Indonesia

Pope Francis and Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar in the courtyard of the Istiqal Mosque, Thursday 5 September 2024 (Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - The leader of the World Catholic Church who is also the Vatican Head of State, Pope Francis, assessed that the Istiqlal Mosque is concrete evidence of religious moderation in Indonesia.

"I remember with pleasure that this mosque was designed by architect Friedrich Silaban, a Christian who won the design competition. This proves that in the history of this nation and in developing culture, mosques, such as other places of worship, are spaces of dialogue, spaces to respect each other and live together," he said while attending a meeting with interfaith leaders at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Thursday, September 5.

Pope Francis said the evidence was not only the location of the Istiqlal Mosque which was faced with the Santa Maria Cathedral Church which was lifted to Heaven, but also connected to each other through the Gathering Tunnel which became a symbol of religious moderation.

He assessed that the Gathering Tunnel allows encounters and dialogue between religious believers, which can be a common space in mingling and taking part to become a real experience in human brotherhood.

"I encourage all of you to continue this path, so that we can all develop our respective spirituality, in practicing religious teachings," he said.

According to Pope Francis, the existence of the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church is a great gift from God to be a reference point for peaceful people and brothers, and not to make excuses to close each other and be enemies.

With the existence of these two houses of worship, he said, it is hoped that all religious communities in Indonesia can contribute to each other in building an open society, based on mutual respect and love, and protecting from violent and extremist attitudes that cannot be justified.

"To bring about religious and humanitarian communities is an inspiration that we must follow and also become a title in the joint declaration that has been prepared on this occasion," Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis' state visit to Indonesia is the third time, after Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II's visit in 1989.

Pope Francis traveled avatoly to the Asia-Pacific region for 3-13 September 2024, to visit four countries, namely Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. The 11-day journey will be the longest visit of the 87-year-old Holy Father, since 11 years of leadership over the Holy Throne of the Vatican.