Minister Of Religion Nasaruddin Umar Calls Pope Francis' Services And Friendship Unforgettable

Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque (at that time) Nasaruddin Umar. (Source Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar gave his best prayers for the late Pope Francis, saying his services and friendship would not be forgotten.

The Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia expressed his deep sorrow for the death of the leader of Catholics who was Satisfied with Francis. For the Minister of Religion, Pope Francis is one of his close friends.

"I express my deepest condolences for the death of Pope Francis. Of course, we cannot forget his services and friendship," said the Indonesian Minister of Religion in a written statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Religion, Monday, April 21.

"Of course, our prayers may Your Majesty get a proper place by His side in accordance with the virtues he has done," he continued.

To the Catholics left by Pope Francis, the Minister of Religion advised to be patient in the face of trials.

"Once again, all of us, the big family of the Ministry of Religion and all Indonesian citizens express our deepest condolences for the death of Pope Francis," said the Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia.

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin and Pope Francis are known as two figures who have a friendship.

As the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Prof. Nasarurudin Umar signed the Istiqlal Declaration on September 5, 2024. On that occasion, Prof Nasaruddin Umar introduced Pope Francis that the Istiqlal Mosque was a big house for humanity.

"Just now (Pope Francis) visited Indonesia, including visiting the Istiqlal Mosque and giving a very global joint statement," he said at the time.

"Hopefully our cooperation, Indonesia and the Vatican, as well as the will that Pope Francis has initiated, we can follow up as agreed," he added.