Muslim Leaders Welcome Vatican Cardinal to Grand Mosque

(November 26, 2009) President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran has paid a visit to the national Istiqlal mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, during his first official trip to the country. Cardinal Tauran, was accompanied by Jesuit Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja of Jakarta, Coadjutor Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta and others. Several officials of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference also took part in the Nov. 25 visit. The mosque's imam Kiai Hajj Syarifuddin Muhammad warmly welcomed the Catholics. "This mosque does not belong only to Muslims but all religious followers, he said. "This is the first time I feel a sincere atmosphere of neighbourhood. It seems there is no gap between Muslims and Catholics," Cardinal Tauran said. He said it was vital for Catholics to take part in the lives of other communities. Nasaruddin Umar, the director the Religious Affairs Ministry's Directorate General for Muslim Community Guidance, told UCA News that he was impressed with Cardinal Tauran's visit to this mosque. "It means Christians can be at peace with Muslims," he said. Cardinal Tauran arrived in Indonesia on November 24 and is expected to depart on December 1. According to organizers, the trip aims to give the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue a better understanding of the religious situation in the country as well as help the Church forge better ties with other religious communities here. On Nov. 26, the cardinal met with leaders of the Wahid Institute and other Islamic organizations in Indonesia. He is also expected to meet with Hindu leaders in Bali and Muslim leaders in Makassar and Yogyakarta.