Jakarta (ANTARA) - Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar congratulated Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on his appointment as the highest leader of the world's Catholics and expressed appreciation for his first message after being confirmed as the 267th Pope.
"The message of peace from Pope Leo XIV in his inaugural speech is worthy of our appreciation. It is a universal message that we must strive for together for a more peaceful world in the future," he noted in a statement on Friday.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected through the conclave process that began on May 7, 2025.
He chose the papal name Pope Leo XIV and was elected as the new head of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine.
Minister Umar expressed his appreciation for Pope Leo XIV's commitment to continuing the legacy of the late Pope Francis. According to Umar, Pope Francis has left a legacy to realize world peace.
In addition to the Document on Human Fraternity signed with Grand Sheikh Al Azhar in 2019, Pope Francis signed the Istiqlal Declaration with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, in September 2024.
This declaration emerged as a form of interfaith diplomacy focused on humanitarian issues and environmental preservation.
The declaration emphasizes, among other things, that religious values can provide solutions to global challenges, ranging from dehumanization and climate change to social inequality.
"We hope that the commitment to the Istiqlal Declaration will continue to be built and well-established under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV for a more humane world, a sustainable environment, and stronger and more equal social cohesion," the minister noted.
