A Tribute of Faith and Friendship: Minister Nasaruddin Umar Remembers Pope Francis in Vatican
Vatican, UIN Online News — The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, was among the distinguished speakers at the International Forum for Peace, "Daring Peace," held in the most sacred place of the Catholic, Vatican City. On Monday (27/10/2025), he spoke about the spirit of brotherhood and reflected on his personal friendship with the late Pope Francis—a speech that concluded with a long and heartfelt round of applause from participants.
The International Forum for Peace was organized by the Sant’Egidio Community and attended by a diverse assembly of world faith leaders, including Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb. The event was chaired by Prof. Marco Impagliazzo, President of the Sant’Egidio Community, and joined by Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Nuns, and delegates from over 50 countries representing multiple faiths.
“When I received the sad news from the Vatican, I could hardly believe it. Memories of Pope Francis immediately flooded my mind, and I felt a deep pull in my heart,” conveyed the minister in his remarks.
He shared that he received the news of Pope Francis’s passing just hours after accepting Sant’Egidio’s invitation to speak at the forum in October. He had initially hoped to meet Pope Francis once again during this visit to the Vatican.
“There are so many unforgettable memories with Pope Francis. Even when I look at our photograph where I kissed his forehead and he kissed my hand, I feel as though he is still with us,” he expressed emotionally.
As the minister reminisced about his friendship with Pope Francis, two historical photos appeared on the screen: one showing the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque kissing the Pope’s forehead, and another showing Pope Francis kissing the Imam’s hand. The hall fell silent as Nasaruddin Umar paused momentarily, saying softly, “I’m sorry for being emotional right now.”
Minister Umar also spoke of feeling the Pope’s Miserando atque eligendo in their brief encounters, particularly when walking hand in hand. “For me, that was not a ceremonial gesture,” he said, “but a spiritual experience as a true symbol of human fraternity.”
“In our short conversation, Pope Francis referred to his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, saying that we are meant to become brothers and sisters beyond the boundaries of religion, race, and nation,” he recalled.
“In response,” he continued, “I explained Islam’s principle of universal brotherhood. We both smiled, realizing that our scriptures convey the same message that humanity stands above all.”
Reminiscence of the Past
He also recalled the historic visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia in September 2024, during which the late Pontiff was warmly welcomed by the thousands of Indonesians. That day, he said, “Jakarta became a stage of harmony.” The Pope’s visit symbolized a renewed movement for interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and unity in diversity.
“I remember several profound moments I shared with Pope Francis. He wanted his mission to nurture global brotherhood and equality among all people,” he added.
During that visit, the Minister of Religious Affairs and Pope Francis signed the Istiqlal Declaration together with interfaith leaders across Indonesia. The Pope also left a written message for the Indonesian people:
“United in the beauty of this land, a heterogeneous place of dialogue among diverse cultures and faiths. I pray that the people of Indonesia continue to grow in faith, fraternity, and compassion. May God bless Indonesia.”
The Indonesian people remember Pope Francis as a leader of compassion and humility who admired the nation’s religious harmony. In Indonesia, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Confucians, and other faith communities live side by side in peace and respect.
Pope Francis was also known for his profound concern for the environment. His encyclical Laudato Si’ called upon humanity to protect Earth by adopting sustainable lifestyles and safeguarding all creation.
“For me,” he concluded, “Pope Francis was a man of deep faith, humility, and hope. It is a living testament to service, kindness, compassion, and profound love for all creation. He taught us to live a simple yet meaningful life when he visited Indonesia.”
(Press Release of the Bureau of Public Relations and Communications of the Ministry of Religious Affairs)