SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Leader of the Catholic Church Pope Francis visited the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Thursday (9/5) morning. During his visit, the Pope passed through the Silaturahmi Tunnel that connects the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral.

Pope Francis considers the tunnel to be a tangible symbol of brotherhood for the people of Indonesia. He described the tunnel as a path from darkness to a bright world, walked together by brothers who support each other.

“I congratulate you all because this Interfaith Tunnel can be a place of dialogue and encounter,”  he said.

Not only that, Pope Francis offered prayers for all who pass through the tunnel in the spirit of brotherhood. The Pope is optimistic that humanity can live in peaceful harmony.

During the same occasion, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, explained to Pope Francis about the 33.8metre-long tunnel, linking not only the two iconic houses of worship in Indonesia, but also has many artistic symbols and symbolises religious tolerance in Indonesia.

‘Just as we hope with His Highness, we also hope that this Tunnel of Silaturahim can be a bridge of brotherhood, not only between Catholics and Muslims, but also with fellow human beings,’ said Nasaruddin Umar.