Imam, Pope Advocate for Global Peace
Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, leader of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, took a historic step toward promoting interfaith harmony and environmental action during the Pope’s visit to Indonesia, as part of his Asia-Pacific tour.
The two religious leaders signed a joint declaration calling for unity among religions, denouncing religious violence, and advocating for urgent action to address the global environmental crisis.
The meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar took place at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Istiqlal Mosque, in Jakarta.
This symbolic location provided the perfect backdrop for the declaration, emphasizing the spirit of religious tolerance and fraternity. Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, prides itself on a constitution that recognizes and promotes religious freedom.
However, the country has seen instances of religious intolerance, especially towards its minority groups, which makes the declaration even more timely and significant.
The grand imam, Nasaruddin Umar, highlighted two key aspects of the joint declaration: first, the unity of humanity beyond distinctions of race or religion; second, the need to address environmental degradation, a threat that transcends borders and religious affiliations.
This call for a unified approach to both social and environmental issues resonated strongly, not only within Indonesia but also globally.
Pope Francis has consistently advocated for interreligious dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing the shared values that unite different faiths.
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During his speech at Istiqlal Mosque, he reiterated the commonality of all religions, stating, “We are all brothers, all pilgrims, all on our way to God, beyond what differentiates us.”
This message of unity was particularly poignant in Indonesia, a country that has long celebrated religious pluralism but still faces challenges regarding intolerance.
The “Tunnel of Friendship,” which connects the Istiqlal Mosque and the nearby Jakarta Cathedral, symbolizes this spirit of religious harmony. Pope Francis visited the tunnel before his meeting with Nasaruddin, where he delivered blessings and signed a section of the structure, reinforcing its role as a beacon of interfaith friendship.
Indonesia’s commitment to religious freedom is codified in its constitution, which officially recognizes six religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.
However, religious tensions and instances of discrimination against minorities have persisted. Amnesty International reported 123 cases of intolerance, including the closure or destruction of places of worship, between January 2021 and July 2024.
The declaration signed by Pope Francis and Nasaruddin addresses these challenges by urging believers of all faiths to reject violence and embrace cooperation.
One of the central themes of Pope Francis’ message was the rejection of the weaponization of religion to fuel conflict.
“We take on the responsibility to address the serious crises that threaten the future of humanity, such as wars and conflicts,” the Pope declared. He called on people of all religions to resist the use of faith as a tool for division, hatred, or violence.
Religious violence remains a global issue, with conflicts in various parts of the world often exacerbated by extremist interpretations of religious beliefs. By making this strong statement, Pope Francis aimed to unite people of all faiths against the use of religion for political or violent ends.
Another critical issue addressed in the declaration was the environmental crisis, which Pope Francis framed as an existential threat to humanity. He emphasized that the environmental crisis is not just a physical threat, but also a moral and spiritual one, as it affects the dignity and survival of future generations.
Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for environmental protection, most notably in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which called for a global response to climate change and environmental degradation.
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In Jakarta, he linked the environmental crisis to the need for interfaith action, stressing that the destruction of the planet is “an obstacle to the growth and co-existence of peoples.” This message was particularly relevant in Indonesia, a country vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and deforestation.
Grand Imam Nasaruddin echoed this sentiment, saying, “How to save our environment” is one of the central messages of the joint declaration.
The collaboration between these two prominent religious leaders underscores the idea that environmental stewardship is a universal responsibility, one that transcends religious, cultural, and national boundaries.
Pope Francis led a mass for nearly 80,000 people at Indonesia’s main football stadium, with tens of thousands more gathered outside. Many attendees had travelled from across Indonesia’s vast archipelago to witness this momentous occasion.
Catholicism, although a minority religion in Indonesia, is deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. Catholics represent less than 3 percent of the population, compared to the 87 percent majority of Muslims.
The mass was a powerful demonstration of Indonesia’s religious diversity, with attendees from different backgrounds coming together in unity.
This event also underscored the significance of Pope Francis’ message of interfaith cooperation and mutual respect. The diverse congregation, coming from across Indonesia’s many islands, reflected the Pope’s vision of inclusivity and dialogue across all religious lines.
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia was the first leg of a larger two-week tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which includes stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
This tour marks one of the longest journeys of his papacy, covering over 32,000 kilometers by air. The trip reflects Pope Francis’ ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting peace, and addressing global issues such as poverty and climate change.
Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar’s joint declaration is more than just a call for peace between religions; it is a powerful message to the world about the urgent need for unity in facing global challenges.
Asem Mustafa Awan has extensive reporting experience with leading national and international media organizations. He has also contributed to reference books such as the Alpine Journal and the American Alpine Journal, among other international publications.
