Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia on early September 3-5, 2024 was greeted with great enthusiasm by various groups. Not only Catholics, but also other religious figures, including the Founder of the Institute of Democracy and Education (IDE) Indonesia, who considered this visit as an important moment to strengthen the values of tolerance, religious dialogue, peace and religious moderation in the country.
Gugun Gumilar as Director of IDE Indonesia emphasized that the arrival of Pope Francis brought a breath of fresh air and a message of peace for the creation of interfaith dialogue. This visit will show the entire nation that our nation Indonesia is a country that is able to maintain diversity, pluralism and prioritize interfaith dialogue in peaceful and tolerant ways.
“I think Pope Francis’ visit is real evidence that the spirit of tolerance, harmony and religious dialogue is increasingly rooted and needs to be well maintained in Indonesia. The Indonesian nation with the symbol of Bhineka Tunggal Ika is a reference for the whole world that we are at a point where the world sees Indonesia as an example in maintaining diversity and pluralism,” said Gugun Gumilar who is also the Director of Voice of Istiqlal in his statement, Saturday (31/8).
Gugun assessed Pope Francis as a great figure of world religion visiting Indonesia that Indonesia is an important center for efforts for peace, unity and universal brotherhood. He invited young Indonesians to learn from the Pope.
“The arrival of the Pope must be used as a rare opportunity where a great figure of the world’s religions visits Indonesia as an important center for efforts for peace, unity and efforts to build strength and universal brotherhood. Indonesian youth must learn tolerance and peace from the Pope,” said Gugun Gumilar, who is also a UN Youth Ambassador.
As is known, Pope Francis’ visit is scheduled to visit Indonesia on September 3-6, 2024, with various important agendas including a meeting with President Joko Widodo, a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque, a meeting of religious figures and a grand prayer at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. After Indonesia, Pope Francis will continue his apostolic journey to Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore. (S-1)
#Pope #Francis #Visit #Indonesia #Brings #Message #Peace #Strengthens #Religious #Moderation
