Indonesian Church: Jokowi Vatican visit good for Islamic-Christian dialogue
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A visit by the president to the Vatican "will bear a lot of fruit" and will be a source of great credit among European leaders, as well as Indonesian citizens, said Msgr. Suharyo Ignatius, Archbishop of Jakarta and President of the Bishops' Conference (KWI), after the meeting with the Chief of Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
He accompanied leaders of the Synod of Protestant Churches (PGI), to a meeting yesterday with President Jokowi, on the occasion of the traditional exchange of greetings on the occasion of Christmas. During the meeting the leaders discussed security measures against terrorist threats and a possible visit by the President to the "center of Christianity."
Indonesia’s Catholic and Protestant leaders have made an impassioned plea to the head of state, urging him to include a stop at the Vatican in view of a future trip to Europe. The visit of the president of the world's most populous Muslim nation to the heart of the Catholic faith, says the president of the Kwi, "would be appreciated by the whole world."
It would also be a strong signal to European leaders, continues Msgr. Suharyo, who in recent months they are facing the refugee emergency, with the arrival of tens of thousands of refugees, many of whom are Muslim and originating in the countries of the Middle East experiencing wars.
The prelate believes a meeting between Pope Francis and President Jokowi Vatican would show Europe a "different" - tolerant, moderate - Muslim majority, who have built solid and friendly relationships with fellow citizens of other faiths.
Besides the theme of hospitality and dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims was been one of the central themes of the visit of the Italian president Sergio Mattarella to Indonesia, during his recent trip to Asia. A topical issue and one which requires urgent and effective solutions. "We are completely different - said the president Kwi after the meeting - with respect to the vision that many Europeans have of us."
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Christian leaders and head of state he addressed the issue of security during the holidays, with the real risk of attacks by terrorists or movements of individual fanatics. "Security measures for the protection of the faithful who participate in the functions of Christmas was stepped up. We appreciate this decision. Because if something happens, our reputation as a country will be damaged” said Msgr. Suharyo.
Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation. Christians represent 5.7 per cent of the population with Catholics just over 3.6 per cent. The latter are an active part of society. Over the years, they have contributed to the nation's development and played a major role in emergency operations, as was the case during the devastating floods of January 2013.
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01/12/2020 13:46
11/11/2008
