Pope Francis And Grand Imam Istiqlal Sign Joint Declaration, Archbishop Of Melbourne: This Is Very Important

The signing of the declaration with Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar. (Source: Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia, Peter Comensoli, assessed that the signing of a joint declaration between the Leader of the World Catholic Church Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of the Jakarta Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar, was very important to convey religious harmony for humanity.

Archbishop Comensoli attended a cross-religious meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Thursday. This is a series of 45th Apostolic Travels abroad conducted by Pope Francis.

The declaration, named Istiqlal 2024 Joint Declaration: Performing Religious Harmony for Humanity was signed by Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar.

"I think this is very important. Similar to what happened in Abu Dhabi a few years ago. It's also a sign, a sign. However, these signs need to be embodied in reality. So hopefully this is a way to start building the bridge," Archbishop Comensoli said, answering a question by Linda Bordoni from the Vatican Radio about how important the message from the signing was, launching Vatican News September 5.

"And this is important elsewhere, not only what is happening here in Asia, but it is also important for us in Australia, where we now have a large Muslim community and a large Jewish community. And the relationship between all of that is currently fraught with tension is very difficult. So, finding a way like this might open up the possibility," he added.

As previously reported, Pope Francis and his entourage were greeted by the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Nasaruddin Imam, during a visit to the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

In addition to signing a joint declaration, Pope Francis and Nasaruddin Umar jointly visited the 'Friendly Intersection' which provides a footpath connecting the Istiqlal Mosque with the Jakarta Cathedral Church.

The declaration underscores the same values for all religious traditions to be promoted effectively, to "beaten the culture of violence and indifference" and promote reconciliation and peace.

"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.

Meanwhile, Nsaruddin Umar said the declaration would be followed up in future real action programs.

"We have also conveyed to the Father earlier, this (declaration) should not only stop here. We must follow up in the form of an action program in the future," he explained, quoted from Antara.