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Officials, Catholic leaders send condolences for Pope Francis’ passing
Government and Catholic officials mourn the death of Pope Francis, who is remembered as a role model for peace, humanity and commitment to the environment amid the world’s multiple crises.
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Interfaith friendship: Pope Francis (right) kisses the hand of Istiqlal Mosque grand imam Nasaruddin Umar on Sept. 5, 2024, after a meeting with religious leaders at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. (AFP/Aditya Aji/Pool)
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ndonesian officials and Catholic figures have offered condolences on the death of Pope Francis, who is remembered as a role model for peace and humanity not only for Catholicism, but also the world.
President Prabowo Subianto expressed his condolences on a recorded statement issued on Monday, saying that the world had “lost a role model deeply committed to peace, humanity and brotherhood”.
“Your message of upholding humanity and peace will forever remain in our hearts,” he concluded the statement.
In a separate statement issued on Monday, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar expressed his sorrow, remembering Pope Francis as a close friend.
Nasaruddin, who is also the grand imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, accompanied the pontiff during the latter’s visit to Jakarta in September of last year. During a visit to Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, the two figures signed the Istiqlal Declaration, a four-point document calling for joint action to address the world’s humanitarian and environmental crises.
“His contributions and friendship will never be forgotten,” the religious affairs minister said. “We pray that His Holiness is granted a worthy place by God’s side, in accordance with the wisdom he has shown throughout his life.”
Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, who was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, said he could not believe the news at first as the pontiff was still present at the Easter Sunday Mass.
