Jakarta (dpa) — A senior leader in Indonesia’s top Muslim clerical body expressed deep sorrow on Monday over the death of Pope Francis, describing him as a global religious leader who tirelessly championed peace across nations and faiths.
“The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis,” said Anwar Abbas, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council. “He was widely known as a man of peace.”
Francis and the grand imam of Indonesia’s Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, exchanged gestures of deep mutual respect during the pontiff’s September visit to Jakarta.
As the pope prepared to leave the mosque in his wheelchair, Umar leaned forward and gently kissed him on the forehead. In return, Francis took the imam’s hand, kissed it, and pressed it to his cheek.
Abbas pointed to Francis’ close relationship with Grand Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb of Egypt’s al-Azhar, one of Sunni Islam’s highest authorities, as a model of interfaith diplomacy.
“Among Muslims, his relationship with the sheikh of al-Azhar was especially notable in their shared mission for world peace,” he said.
“The world has lost a true advocate of peace.”
A picture of Pope Francis on display at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh following the announcement by the Vatican of the death of Pope Francis aged 88. The Argentine pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, dies on Monday, leaving a profound impact on millions around the world. Niall Carson/PA Wire/dpa