JAKARTA (DPA) – Senior leader of Indonesia's top Muslim clerks expressed deep grief on Monday over the death of Pope Francis, calling him a global religious leader who relentlessly advocates peace across the country and faith.
“The world mourns the death of Pope Francis,” said Anwar Abbas, vice-chairman of the Ulama Council in Indonesia. “He is widely known as the man of peace.”
Francis and Nasaruddin Umar, the large imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Indonesia, exchanged gestures of deep respect during the Pope's visit to Jakarta in September.
Umar leaned forward and gently kissed his forehead as the pope was about to leave the mosque in his wheelchair. In return, Francis held the Imam's hand, kissed it, and pressed it against his cheek.
Abbas pointed out that Francis had close ties with Al-Azhar, the Great Sheikh Ahmed El Taib of Al-Azhar, one of the highest authorities in Egypt, one of the Egyptian Islamic authorities, as a model of interfaith diplomacy.
“One of the Muslims, his relationship with the chiefs of Hazard is particularly evident in their shared mission of world peace,” he said.
“The world has lost its true advocate of peace.”
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, 88, was the Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, announced that a photo of Pope Francis was exhibited at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh. Niall Carson/PA Wire/DPA
