Pope and Top Indonesian Imam Call for Peace and Unity
On his final day in Indonesia, Pope Francis made a strong call for peace and unity, warning against using religion to incite conflict. During his visit to Jakarta, he signed a declaration on religious harmony and environmental protection with grand imam Nasaruddin Umar at the Istiqlal mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. The Pope also met with leaders from six different religions.
Pope Francis, who is on an 11-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region, is emphasizing the need for understanding and cooperation among different faiths. He spoke about the serious global issues of war, conflict, and environmental damage, urging people to recognize their shared humanity.
The Pope’s visit to Indonesia includes a series of public events, including a mass at a major stadium, and will continue to Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. His trip is notable as it’s the longest international visit of his papacy.
In Jakarta, the Pope praised Indonesia’s commitment to “harmony in diversity” and highlighted the importance of large families. His visit also saw him using a wheelchair, drawing attention to his health challenges.
The declaration signed by the Pope and the grand imam reflects their shared vision for peaceful coexistence and environmental stewardship, offering a hopeful message for a world facing significant challenges (BBC).
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ylzy7drzqo