Arya News - During the late pontiff`s visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on September 5, 2024, he met with the mosque’s grand imam Nasaruddin Umar. They jointly signed the Istiqlal Declaration, a document calling for joint interfaith action to address the world’s humanitarian and environmental crises.
JAKARTA – The death of Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has left Indonesian Catholics and non-Catholics nationwide mourning for the late Argentine pontiff, who is remembered for his humility and leadership that emphasized tolerance and peace within the Church.
Yoseph Kristinus Guntur, a religious studies lecturer and a priest at the Bogor diocese in West Java, recalled the pope’s message for the Church to become a bridge for building hope and peace.
After the pontiff’s death, Yoseph has been reflecting on the pope’s final Easter address on Sunday, in which he called for an end to wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Pope Francis’ Easter address on Sunday was his final public appearance, in which he blessed congregations gathering in St. Peter’s Square in The Vatican, before he died, aged 88, the next day due to a stroke. He had battled declining health in recent months due to acute respiratory failure and double pneumonia.
Yoseph also recalled the Roman Catholic Church leader’s openness for interfaith dialogue, pointing to a meeting with other religious figures during his apostolic trip to Jakarta in September 2024.
“This is a testament that the world should see Indonesia as a prototype of harmony in diversity,” the priest said. “It gives me hope that we, as a nation, can be tolerant and open to differences.”
Read also: Officials, Catholic leaders send condolences for Pope Francis’ passing
Maria Febriyanti Nepa, a 23-year-old Catholic from Sorong, West Papua, expressed her gratitude for having had an opportunity to see the pope before his passing. She was one of over 80,000 congregants who attended a Mass led by Francis at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta last year.
Among the messages she remembered from the pope’s visit to Jakarta was the encouragement to remain humble and pray for one another.
“The pope embraced other religions,” Maria told The Jakarta Post , “and this is a reminder for us Catholics of the importance of tolerance in a religiously diverse Indonesia.”
Interfaith commitment
Among the highlights of the late Pope Francis’ pontificate was his relationship with other religions, which was also shown during his Jakarta trip.
When visiting the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, he met with the mosque’s grand imam Nasaruddin Umar. The two exchanged tender gestures, with Nasaruddin kissing Francis’ forehead to be replied by the pontiff kissing the imam’s hand.
They also jointly signed the Istiqlal Declaration, a document calling for joint interfaith action to address the world’s humanitarian and environmental crises.
“His contributions and friendship will never be forgotten. We pray that His Holiness is granted a worthy place by God’s side,” said Nasaruddin, now a religious affairs minister, in a statement issued on Monday.
Yahya Cholil Staquf, chair of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), also extended his condolences. He commended the pope’s efforts in advancing humanitarian values, highlighting the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together with Ahmad al-Tayyeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar in Egypt, in 2019.
“NU will stand alongside the Catholic Church to carry forward the spirit and struggle left behind by Pope Francis in nurturing and defending humanity,” Yahya said.
Read also: Timor Leste leader declares week of mourning for Pope Francis
Muhammadiyah, the country’s second largest Muslim organization, said that the pope would be remembered for “his commitment to global peace, his openness to interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as his compassion for equality and social justice”.
President Prabowo Subianto offered condolences in a recorded statement on Monday, calling Francis “a role model deeply committed to peace, humanity and brotherhood”. He added that the late pontiff’s message of “upholding humanity and peace” would remain forever in many people’s hearts.
Modest, peaceful legacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Argentinian pope chose Francis as his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his vow of poverty. The choice underscored his commitment to simplicity, reflected in both his appearance and actions.
Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, who was appointed cardinal by Francis in 2019, referred to the late pope as “standing with the marginalized”, a value that came to define the Church under his leadership.
Read also: Pope Francis spent final day working, despite doctors’ orders
Ahead of last year’s Easter, the pope washed and kissed the feet of 12 female prisoners in a prison in Rome, breaking with the long-held tradition of the ceremony being reserved for men and typically held outside of prisons.
His compassion for marginalized groups also extended to the LGBT community, when he allowed blessings for same-sex couples in 2023, an unprecedented move seen as a significant shift within the traditionally conservative Church.
“He told me he was happy in Indonesia,” said Suharyo, recalling a personal moment during Francis’ Jakarta visit. “He said he only saw smiling faces. No one looked angry or intimidating.”
Paulus Christian Siswantoko, executive secretary of the Bishops Council of Indonesia (KWI), said Francis set an example through his papal teaching on how to view nature as our common home while emphasizing brotherhood.
The Vatican says that a funeral for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time. Until the funeral, his body will lie in an open casket in St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners can pay their respects for the late pope. Several world leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
Up to 20 days after the pontiff’s passing, The Vatican will convene a conclave in which eligible cardinals under the age of 80 will elect the next pope.
Read More:
Former Indonesian president Jokowi to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Prabowo’s behalf