The Pope and the Chief Imam of Jakarta today signed a joint document calling to take action against the "religious instrumentalization of conflicts" and against global warming. This happened at an inter-religious meeting in front of the "Istiklal" mosque. in the Indonesian capital, reported AFP, quoted by BTA.
In the "Declaration of Istiklal" the two religious leaders expressed concern over the "dehumanization" associated with the "spread of conflict and violence" and called for "decisive action to preserve the integrity of the natural environment and its resources".
"If we look deeply, if we understand what flows in the depths of our lives (...), we will find that we are all brothers, we are all pilgrims, we are all on the way to God, above what separates us" , said the 87-year-old Argentine pope.
The interreligious meeting was attended by representatives of the six religions officially recognized in Indonesia: Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Catholicism and Protestantism.
Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasarudin Umar stood in front of the entrance to the "Tunnel of Friendship" - an underpass that connects the mosque complex with the neighboring Assumption Catholic Cathedral, reported AP.
Approaching the elevator to the tunnel, Francis said it was a strong sign of how different religious traditions "have a role to play in helping everyone pass through the tunnels of life with eyes turned to the light.
Indonesia is the country with the largest Islamic population in the world - 242 million.