Indonesia (International Christian Concern) July 12, 2024 — During his upcoming visit to Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim country, Pope Francis is expected to deliver a message about the importance of religious tolerance.
The visit, scheduled from September 3 to 6, will also include meetings with clerics at the cathedral and interfaith leaders at Istiqlal Mosque, to symbolize unity and cooperation between different religious communities.
More than 80% of Indonesians are Sunni Muslim, while only about 11% are Christian. Christians are allowed to worship openly but often face persecution from Muslims and local government officials. Muslims who convert to Christianity face even more severe persecution and are often disowned by their families.
“(He) sends a very strong message about the importance of peace and tolerance,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said at the National Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Another highlight of the Pope’s visit will be the Holy Mass to be held at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Central Jakarta on September 5.
The mass, which will be presided over by the Pope, will be attended by thousands of Catholics from across Indonesia, with 70,000 people from various faiths expected to attend.
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