She fought.-On his last day in Indonesia, the Pope signed a joint declaration with the Grand Imam Nasanddin Umar in which both expressed their concern about the “dehumanization” caused by the generalization of conflicts and the “instrumentalization of religion in these situations of violence.”
“We are all brothers, all pilgrims, all walking towards God beyond our differences,” said Francis during his speech at the Istiglat mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia.
In the Istiglal Declaration, both religious leaders stressed the urgency of “taking decisive measures to preserve the integrity of the environment and natural resources.”
After the interfaith meeting, the Pope went to the large stadium in Jakarta, at the end of his visit to Indonesia, where an estimated 80,000 people were expected to attend. The presence was expected to be mainly of Catholics, who number 8 million in the country, but also many Muslims, who number 270 million believers in the country with the largest number of Muslims in the world.
The Pope is in good physical shape, smiling and energised by contact with thousands of Catholics and Muslims who have been cheering him and trying to shake his hand since Tuesday when he arrived in Jakarta.
Grand Imam Nasanddin Umar told Agence France Presse that the joint statement with Francis is an expression of “how Muslims and Catholics, and all religions of the world, can talk together about how to save the environment.”
During his speech at the Istiglat mosque, the Argentine pontiff lamented “the existence of dramatic crises and wars that threaten the future of humanity” and that are sometimes “fueled by religious exploitation.”
Francis asked the religious leaders of the various denominations present in Indonesia, who gathered at the great mosque, to “promote religious harmony for the good of humanity and the inspiration that we are invited to follow.”
Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian leaders, as well as Muslims, were present in a common atmosphere of great cordiality.
The Pope asked the representatives of the various confessions to assume responsibility “in the face of the great and sometimes dramatic crises that threaten the future of humanity, particularly wars and conflicts, unfortunately also fueled by religious instrumentalities.”
Jorge Bergoglio cited the war in the Middle East “which has become an obstacle to the growth and coexistence of peoples.”
He called on religious leaders to “help build open societies, based on mutual respect and mutual love, capable of isolating tensions, fundamentalisms and extremisms, which are always dangerous and never justifiable.”
The Pope said that the rites and practices of religions “are a traditional heritage that must be respected,” but added that “what flows in the most intimate part of our lives” is the desire for plenitude, which allows us to discover “that we are all brothers, all pilgrims, all on the journey towards God, beyond what differentiates us.”
Francis invited everyone to “work together” to achieve “the defense of human dignity, in the fight against poverty, in the promotion of peace.” Infobae.
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2024-09-06 03:40:55
Pope Francis’ Visit to Indonesia: A Call for Peace, Unity, and Environmental Preservation
Table of Contents
Introduction
In a pivotal moment for interfaith dialogue, Pope Francis concluded his impactful trip to Indonesia with a powerful message of unity and environmental stewardship. On his last day, he signed a joint declaration with Grand Imam Nasanddin Umar, addressing the alarming rise of dehumanization associated with global conflicts and the misuse of religion in acts of violence. This article delves deeper into the key themes of his visit, including interfaith cooperation and the urgent need for environmental conservation.
A Landmark Declaration
During his visit, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in combating the challenges facing humanity. The joint declaration, signed at the Istiglat Mosque—Southeast Asia’s largest mosque—highlighted critical issues that require immediate attention and action, such as the preservation of natural resources and the integrity of the environment.
Key Quotes from Pope Francis
“We are all brothers, all pilgrims, all walking towards God beyond our differences,” the Pope stated during his remarks, urging religious leaders and followers alike to transcend their denominational differences in the pursuit of peace and environmental integrity.
The Urgency of Interfaith Collaboration
In an increasingly polarized world, the Pope’s visit to Indonesia served as a potent reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue. The Istiglat Declaration—resulting from discussions between the Pope and various religious leaders—underscored a collective call to action for all faith communities to work together towards a common goal: the well-being of humanity and the planet.
Grand Imam Nasanddin Umar articulated the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This joint statement with Francis is an expression of how Muslims and Catholics, and all religions of the world, can talk together about how to save the environment.”
An Inspiring Gathering
The Pope addressed a diverse assembly of religious leaders, including representatives from Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Islam. This gathering was not only a show of solidarity but also a demonstration of the potential for harmony among various faiths, working collectively for a better world.
Highlighting Global Crises
While addressing the challenges that threaten global peace, Pope Francis did not shy away from discussing the ongoing “dramatic crises and wars”—particularly in the Middle East—that jeopardize humanity’s future. His call to action included urging religious leaders to foster environments of mutual respect and love, indicating that fundamentalism and extremism have no place in faith.
The Pope stated, “Help build open societies, based on mutual respect and mutual love, capable of isolating tensions, fundamentalisms, and extremisms, which are always dangerous and never justifiable.”
A Commitment to the Environment
At the core of the discussions was a shared commitment to protect the environment. The Pope and Grand Imam both stressed the urgency of decisive measures to safeguard the Earth’s resources. With climate change and environmental degradation as looming threats, the leaders highlighted that faith communities should lead the charge in promoting ecological sustainability.
Conclusion
Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia reaffirms the essential need for interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship in tackling the pressing issues of our time. His heartfelt messages resonated with countless followers and served as a rallying cry for believers across the globe to unite for peace, harmony, and the protection of our planet. As we reflect on this significant event, we are reminded that, despite our differences, we can work together as stewards of the Earth and ambassadors of peace.
By continuing to foster interfaith collaboration and addressing critical global challenges, we can help pave the way for a more just and sustainable future for all humanity.
Keywords: Pope Francis, Indonesia, interfaith dialogue, environmental protection, religious leaders, Istiglat Mosque, unity, peace, climate change.
