POPE FRANCIS' VISIT: BUILDING INTERFAITH FRIENDSHIP IN INDONESI

Pope Francis is set to visit Indonesia, carrying a strong message of unity and interfaith harmony. In this historic visit, the Pope is scheduled to stop by Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. This visit will highlight the 'Tunnel of Friendship,' a unique structure that connects Istiqlal Mosque with the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption located across from it.

The 28.3-meter 'Tunnel of Friendship' was built by the Indonesian government in 2020 as a symbol of religious harmony and tolerance. This tunnel not only serves as a physical connection between two iconic places of worship but also reflects a joint effort to promote unity amidst the religious diversity in Indonesia. Pope Francis, who has consistently promoted interfaith dialogue during his 11-year papacy, sees this tunnel as a tangible representation of that vision.

On his 12-day visit to the Asia-Pacific region, which marks the longest trip of his papacy, the 87-year-old Pope Francis will begin his journey in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country. In Jakarta, besides visiting Istiqlal Mosque and the Tunnel of Friendship, the Pope will also participate in an interfaith meeting and lead a large mass at a stadium expected to be attended by over 80,000 Catholic faithful.

The Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, warmly welcomed this visit, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect among religions. "The presence of Pope Francis is an extraordinary moment for all of us. Whatever your religion, we must respect our guest," he said. Istiqlal Mosque, in the spirit of inclusivity, often opens its vast parking lot to the neighboring cathedral’s congregation during major events.

This visit by the Pope also serves as a broader symbol of interfaith friendship in Indonesia, as highlighted by Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. "The Pope's visit makes Indonesia a barometer of peace and a pillar of tolerance," he stated.

However, behind this message of harmony, Indonesia's long history with religious dynamics cannot be ignored. Although Indonesia is known as a predominantly Muslim country, minority religions, including Catholicism, have faced various challenges, from discrimination to the closure of places of worship. The history of Catholicism in Indonesia began in the 16th century with Portuguese missionaries, but it faced oppression during Dutch colonial rule, which favored Protestantism.

Nevertheless, the arrival of Pope Francis brings new hope for Catholics in Indonesia, who make up about 3 percent of the total population of 280 million. For Maria Regina Widyastuti Sasongko, a 77-year-old Catholic who has long awaited this visit, the Pope's presence symbolizes unity and love. "His visit can transform people to love one another," she said with hope.

This visit marks the first papal visit in over three decades, following in the footsteps of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989. During this visit, Pope Francis will also meet with outgoing President Joko Widodo, further strengthening the relationship between the Vatican and Indonesia.

The presence of Pope Francis in Indonesia is expected to strengthen joint efforts to build interfaith harmony and tolerance while bringing a powerful message of peace to the entire world.

Source: Pope Francis’ Indonesia visit to connect mosques & cathedrals via ‘Tunnel of Friendship’ (msn.com)