Speaking Of Mining, Pope Francis: Don't Poor Yourself With Big Wealth

Pope Francis received a replica of the Istiqlal Mosque, Thursday 5 September 2024 (Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis alluded to the gold mine which is one of Indonesia's largest natural resources. He said, do not let this potential be wasted

This was conveyed in his speech when holding a dialogue between religious communities at the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, Thursday, September 5. Present was General Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu'ti, General Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board Yahya Staquf Qoumas, to the wife of the fourth President of the Republic of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur, Sinta Nuriyah.

Initially, Pope Francis praised Indonesia as a large country with various cultures, races, and religions. Not only that, he said, this country has abundant natural resources.

"Indonesia is a big country, a mosaic of culture, ethnicity, customs, very rich diversity, which is also reflected in the diversity of ecosystems and the surrounding environment," Pope Francis said in his speech.

Pope Francis then talked about Indonesia's natural wealth. The supreme leader of the Catholic church emphasized that the most valuable treasure is not just mining, but maintaining harmony from the various differences that exist.

He also reminded that Indonesia does not impoverish itself from great wealth. Existing resources must be a legacy for the younger generation.

"And if it is true that you are the host of the world's largest gold mine, know that the most valuable treasure is the will so that differences are not an excuse to fight, but are aligned in harmony and mutual respect," Pope Francis said.

"Don't waste this gift! Never impoverish yourself from this great wealth, on the other hand, develop and inherit it especially to young people," he continued.

The Catholic priest from the United States Order of Jesuit also prayed that no one would fall into violence and fundamentalism. "Hopefully everyone will be fascinated by the dream of a free society and humanity, brothers and sisters," Pope Francis concluded.