World's Largest Muslim-Majority Nation Welcomes Pope Francis with Over 80,000 Fans in Attendance
By Stanley Widianto and Joshua McElwee
JAKARTA (Reuters) - In a historic event, octogenarian Pope Francis drew over 80,000 fans to a Catholic Mass in Indonesia's national stadium, typically reserved for rockstars and presidents. The visit was the highlight of the pope's four-day trip to Jakarta, marking the first stop on a 12-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Indonesian transgender woman Mami Yuli expressed the profound impact of the Pope's message of tolerance, highlighting the importance of positive judgement from both the church and the people towards marginalized groups. The event saw a diverse crowd, including Catholic nuns, students, and the elderly, filling Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The pontiff's visit also included a stop at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, where he emphasized the importance of tackling climate change and promoting interfaith dialogue to resolve conflict. Despite Christians being a minority in Indonesia, the nation upholds religious freedom and recognizes six official religions.
During the Mass, Pope Francis urged listeners to embrace fraternity and strive for unity and peace. His meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized the need to combat religious extremism, garnering support from the government, which adjusted the airing of the Islamic call to prayer to accommodate the Mass.
Sister Maria Ambrosia, who traveled from Sumatra to attend the event, expressed her admiration for the Pope's humility and joy, embodying hope and happiness for many.
Analysis:
- Pope Francis's visit to Indonesia drew over 80,000 attendees to a Catholic Mass in the national stadium, showcasing the significance of his message of tolerance in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.
- The event highlighted the importance of positive judgement towards marginalized groups, with diverse attendees including Catholic nuns, students, and the elderly.
- The Pope's emphasis on fraternity, unity, and peace resonated with listeners, amidst Indonesia's recognition of religious freedom and diverse religious landscape.
- The government's support for adjusting the airing of the Islamic call to prayer demonstrated a gesture of respect and accommodation for the Mass, symbolizing a unified effort towards interfaith dialogue and harmony.
