In Indonesia, a country that houses the largest Muslim population in the world, tributes flock to Pope Francis, a craftsman of peace

The disappearance of Pope Francis arouses great emotion in Indonesia, a country that houses the largest Muslim population in the world. Anwar Abbas, vice-president of the Council of Indonesian Ulemas, expressed his deep sadness on Monday, welcoming the memory of a world recognized man for his commitment to peace between nations and religions. “The world cries the loss of Pope Francis. He was widely recognized as a man of peace, “he said.

During the historical visit of the sovereign pontiff in Jakarta in September, gestures of deep mutual respect had marked his meeting with Nasaruddin Umar, a great imam of the Istiqlal mosque.

When he left, in a wheelchair, the pope had received a kiss on the front from the imam, to whom he had responded by kissing his hand, a strong gesture of interreligious fraternity. Anwar Abbas also underlined the close link that François had with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayeb, a major figure in Sunni Islam. “Their collaboration for world peace is an example of interconfessional diplomacy,” he added. For many Muslims in Indonesia, the disappearance of Pope Francis represents the loss of a true defender of universal peace.