Indonesia's Istiqlal Mosque to Welcome Pope Francis' Visit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, disclosed that Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is set to visit Indonesia in early September 2024 to participate in a religious meeting with the country's religious leaders.

“God willing, the Pope is expected to visit Indonesia from September 3 to 6. [He will visit] Istiqlal on Sept. 5,” Nasaruddin said after the Eid al-Adha prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta, on Monday, June 17.

Ismail Cawidu, chairman of the Istiqlal Mosque Management Board (BPMI), also mentioned that Pope Francis' arrival was part of a series of visits to Asia, including Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. “Indonesia will be his first stop,” Ismail said by phone.

In Indonesia, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Cathedral Church on September 4 and the Istiqlal Mosque the following morning, on September 5. “This is a meeting with all the religious leaders in Indonesia,” he said.

Ismail further explained that the meeting would be attended not only by ulama and priests but also by leaders of other religions such as Buddhists, Hindus, and Confucians. “I serve as the chairman of the committee. About 150 people will attend,” he said.

Indonesia welcomes Pope Francis

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the significance of the Pope's visit, emphasizing that it is important not only for Catholics but also for all religious communities in the nation. The ministry expressed hope that this visit would reinforce the message of tolerance, unity, and world peace.

Furthermore, Pope Francis is also scheduled to visit Port Moresby and Vanimo in Papua New Guinea from September 6 to 9, Dili in Timor Leste from September 9 to 11, and Singapore from September 11 to 13, 2024.

MICHELLE GABRIELA | DESTY LUTHFIANI 

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