Church and government leaders on Friday launched Faith, Fraternity, and Compassion, a commemorative book marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Indonesia.
Published by Kompas Books, the book that highlighted unity, interfaith understanding, and care for creation, documents the pope’s Sept. 2024, journey — his first to the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.
The visit drew nationwide attention as a moment that strengthened interreligious solidarity and reflected the values of Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
‘A moral reflection and source of inspiration’
Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, who served as Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque during the papal visit, said the book serves as a moral reflection inspired by the pontiff’s message.
“This book is not merely a travel record, but a moral reflection and a source of inspiration. May it serve as a bridge of fraternity and ignite the flame of love for all humanity,” Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar said during the launch in Jakarta.
He added that Pope Francis’ visit marked “a new momentum for deepening interfaith literacy and strengthening national solidarity.”
Interfaith commitment and ecological responsibility
A key highlight of the pope’s trip was the signing of the Istiqlal Declaration on Sept. 5, 2024 — a landmark statement by Indonesia’s religious leaders pledging to “confront dehumanization, reject conflict in the name of religion, and respond to the global ecological crisis.”
Prof. Umar, co-author of the declaration, said both the document and the new book reflect faith as a force for peace and ecological action.
“Religion must become a force for solidarity, reconciliation, and ecological care. The Istiqlal Mosque must serve as a center of interfaith dialogue and humanitarian action,” he said. “Therefore, this book is not merely a travel record, but also a moral reflection and source of inspiration to enrich interfaith literacy and strengthen national solidarity.”
A sign of Indonesia’s religious maturity
Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Fajar Riza Ulhaq said the pope’s visit showed “the Vatican’s respect for Indonesia’s vibrant religious life,” noting that major Islamic organizations Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama warmly welcomed the pontiff.
He compared the 2024 trip to Pope Francis’ earlier visits to the United Arab Emirates in 2019 and Iraq in 2021.
“While the visits to the Middle East focused on post-conflict recovery and building bridges between religions, the visit to Indonesia highlighted the themes of faith, fraternity, and compassion — signaling the maturity of Indonesia’s interreligious dialogue tradition,” he said.
“In my view, the three papal visits to Indonesia — in 1970, 1989, and 2024 — demonstrate the growth of interfaith relations and show how Indonesia is regarded as a living laboratory of Fratelli Tutti.”
Bishops call for compassion in action
Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, president of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, said the pope’s visit brought “immense spiritual blessings and a concrete example of compassion.”
“He came bringing rosaries for Catholics, medals for non-Catholic brothers and sisters, and even candies for small children. Moreover, the pope entrusted donations for the poor, the disabled, and the sick through ten charitable foundations,” Bishop Bunjamin said.
He added that the visit’s message remains an invitation to live one’s faith through service.
“The spirit of ‘Faith, Fraternity, and Compassion’ is not merely a slogan but an invitation to live one’s faith through concrete action. Meeting the pope is not meant to make us proud, but to draw us closer to God,” he said.
The bishops’ conference ordered 2,000 copies of the book for distribution to dioceses and parishes nationwide.
‘A living Gospel’ of love and solidarity
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, who accompanied the pope during the visit, recalled the pontiff’s humility and warmth.
“The Holy Father didn’t whisper anything during our twice presence in the same car but he simply said, ‘I’m very happy to be here.’ He was visibly joyful to see the warmth of the Indonesian people’s welcome,” Cardinal Suharyo said.
He said Pope Francis personally asked to meet “refugees, street children, and the sick” — visits that were not part of the official itinerary.
“When he first left the Vatican, he went to the island of Lampedusa to meet African refugees. He wanted to show real solidarity with those who suffer,” the cardinal said.
Cardinal Suharyo described the pope’s gestures as “a living Gospel — faith expressed through concrete acts of love and solidarity.”
A call to build a civilization of love
Through Faith, Fraternity, and Compassion, Church and government leaders said the Indonesian people are reminded of the pope’s call to nurture fraternity, protect creation, and build a “civilization of love” rooted in compassion and solidarity.
The book, they said, stands as a testament to the continuing fruits of Pope Francis’ visit — a call for all people of faith to live what they believe.
