Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nusaruddin Umar: A Historic Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia

Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nusaruddin Umar: A Symbolic Interfaith Meeting

Pope Francis met with Nusaruddin Umar, the esteemed grand imam of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, for a significant interfaith dialogue on Thursday. Together, they pledged to combat religiously motivated violence and advocate for environmental protection, issuing a heartfelt joint appeal for interfaith friendship. This meeting lies at the core of Francis’ visit to Indonesia, emphasizing mutual respect among different faiths.

The encounter was rich in symbolic meaning. As they stood outside the mosque, Francis and Umar embraced warmly, embodying the spirit of unity. Their photo opportunity took place at the entrance of the “Tunnel of Friendship,” an underpass that seamlessly connects the mosque compound with the adjacent Catholic cathedral, Our Lady of the Assumption.

Advocating Against Religious Violence

Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, showcases the tunnel as a tangible testament to its dedication to religious freedom. This commitment is enshrined in the Indonesian constitution, yet it faces challenges due to persistent instances of discrimination and violence against religious minorities. According to a report by Amnesty International released just before Francis’ visit, between January 2021 and July 2024, there were at least 123 cases of intolerance, including the rejection, closure, or destruction of places of worship and various physical assaults.

Approaching the lift that leads to the tunnel, Pope Francis remarked that it stands as a powerful symbol of how diverse religious traditions can aid individuals in navigating the tunnels of life, always with their eyes set towards the light of hope and understanding. He encouraged Indonesians from every religious background to “walk in search of God and contribute to the creation of open societies built on mutual respect and love, which can guard against rigidity, fundamentalism, and extremism—forces that are always perilous and never justifiable.”

Interfaith Harmony: A Hallmark of Francis’ Papacy

The Pope and Imam Umar were joined by representatives from the six officially recognized religions in Indonesia: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Enhancing Catholic-Muslim relations has been a significant focus of Pope Francis’ papacy, as he prioritizes visits to predominantly Muslim nations to foster understanding and cooperation.

On this occasion, a new initiative dubbed The Istiqlal Declaration was launched, further solidifying Francis’ commitment to interfaith dialogue. Signed by both Francis and Umar during a formal ceremony, the declaration received support from various religious representatives who were acknowledged for their accompaniment but did not co-sign the document.

The declaration emphatically states that religion should never be exploited to justify violence; instead, it should be a means to resolve conflicts and uphold human dignity. Additionally, it calls for “decisive action” to safeguard the environment and its resources, attributing the ongoing climate crisis to human-made actions.

This interfaith gathering was a highlight of Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia, which is set to conclude later on Thursday with a grand Mass at Jakarta’s stadium, anticipated to attract approximately 60,000 attendees. Although Catholics comprise about 3% of Indonesia’s overall population of 275 million, the country is home to the largest Catholic seminary globally and has long served as a primary source of priests and nuns for the Church.

Following this visit, Pope Francis will journey to Papua New Guinea for the second leg of his trip, marking one of the longest and farthest travels in papal history. His itinerary will also include East Timor and Singapore before concluding on September 13.