PRESS STATEMENT OF THE CENTRAL BOARD OF MUHAMMADIYAH WITH REGARD TO POPE FRANCIS’ VISIT
Number: 005/PER/I.0/B/2024
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim
In connection with Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia 3-5 September 2024, The Central Board of Muhammadiyah provides the following statements:
- Welcoming Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia. Pope Francis’ visit is an honor and respect for the Indonesian people. In the midst of his tight schedule, Pope Francis is pleased to visit Indonesia using commercial aircraft and traveling very long distances and not stay at a five-star hotel. This shows what an example can be as an important inspiration for national leaders at the national and global levels.
- In the context of relations among religious communities, particularly relations between Islam and Catholicism, Pope Francis’ visit underscores the importance of Indonesia and the Pope Francis’ commitment in building and strengthening Catholic relations with the Islamic world. Together with Grand Sheikh al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmad el-Thayeb, Pope Francis signed the Abu Dhabi Document on Human Fraternity. Abu Dhabi Documents is a document that underlines the same spirit of Islamic teachings and commitment of Catholicism in building human dignity and cooperation among faiths in peace. Pope Francis’ planned meeting with religious groups shows openness in dialogue and cooperation among faiths as well introducing Indonesia to the world as a pluralistic country with religious and cultural harmony.
- The Indonesian nation as the host should welcome and respect Pope Francis’ visit with full hospitality and politeness to reflect noble Indonesian culture and civilization. The Indonesian government can use meeting with Pope Francis to convey and discuss various peace issues and Indonesia’s position in world peace, especially with regard to Palestinian issue. It is important for Indonesia to use the visit and meeting with the Pope as a momentum to initiate and develop its role in world peace more proactively in seeking permanent solutions for the future of Palestine by involving various parties at the world level.
