Pope Francis urges unity against climate change, religious extremism

Pope Francis, during his visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasized the importance of combating both climate change and religious extremism.

Since the beginning of his papacy in 2013, Francis has worked to foster interfaith dialogue and address global issues. His recent visit to Southeast Asia’s largest mosque marked a significant moment in this ongoing effort, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

In a joint statement with Indonesia’s Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar, the Pope highlighted “two serious crises” facing the world: dehumanization and climate change. The statement, signed in Jakarta, denounced the use of religion to justify violence and called for a renewed focus on upholding human dignity. It also addressed the destructive impact of human activities on the environment, noting the severe consequences of global warming and natural disasters.

Francis arrived at the mosque, located next to Jakarta’s Catholic cathedral, amid public enthusiasm in a city grappling with severe environmental challenges, including sinking sea levels. Indonesia’s vulnerability to climate change and its plan to relocate its capital due to rising sea levels were also acknowledged.

The Pope’s visit, which included attending Islamic prayers recited by a young blind girl, underscored his commitment to bridging religious divides. While Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, with about 87 per cent of its 280 million people practicing Islam, the visit also drew attention to the country’s 8.6 million Catholics and other minority groups.

The interfaith meeting, where Francis was seen in a wheelchair due to his age and health issues, emphasized Indonesia’s historical role as a melting pot of cultures and religions. The Pope’s presence is seen as a symbol of solidarity and mutual respect among different faiths in the country.

As part of his trip, Francis will celebrate a mass at Jakarta’s National Stadium and then proceed to Papua New Guinea, continuing his extensive Southeast Asia and South Pacific tour, which includes visits to East Timor and Singapore.

Indonesia’s history of religious coexistence, marked by periods of tension and harmony, reflects a diverse cultural landscape. The Pope’s visit is a testament to his ongoing efforts to promote peace and unity across religious and national boundaries.