Pope Francis to Visit Indonesia's Istiqlal Mosque

Pope Francis is set to visit Indonesia’s Istiqlal mosque on September 3, 2024, as part of his interfaith Asian tour, emphasizing the importance of dialogue among the country's diverse religions amid rising intolerance. This significant meeting will include representatives from Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Confucianism, reflecting Indonesia's commitment to religious harmony. The Istiqlal mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, symbolizes Indonesia's struggle for independence and its tradition of peaceful coexistence between faiths. In conjunction with his visit, Pope Francis will also hold a mass at the GBK Stadium, expected to attract 86,000 participants. The pope’s interactions aim to inspire greater acceptance and tolerance within the diverse Indonesian society, facing challenges to its moderate image. His visit is anticipated to foster positive change and enhance interfaith relations in the region.