TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Executive Secretary of the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) Edy Purwanto, stated that Pope Francis I expressed his appreciation to religious pluralism in Indonesia. Edy said that the Pope delivered his statement during a meeting with Indonesian bishop representatives in Vatican last November.
Edy added that a lot of Indonesian clerics were inspired by how the Pope embraces Catholics by generating spiritual values and love towards their religion.
According to Edy, the Pope's concern about social and humanitarian issues should be taken as an example of how prayers are not limited to spiritual and ritual matters.
"Prayers is an expression of faith that can be manifested in real actions in the community," he said.
RIZKI PUSPITA SARI