In the busy news cycle, many may have missed an historically significant event in the global religious landscape that has profound relevance to our own community here at John Paul College. As a part of his recent overseas tour in Asia, Pope Francis made an historic visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, an act of profound symbolism and hope in promoting religious tolerance and global peace.
Pope Francis was greeted by Istiqlal’s grand imam, Nasaruddin Umar, and representatives from Indonesia’s six officially recognised religions – Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. He noted that “This testifies to the fact that throughout the history of this nation and in the very fabric of its culture, the mosque, like other places of worship, are spaces of dialogue, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence between religions and different spiritual sensibilities.”
The pope’s visit serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect, which is at the core of Pope Francis’ teachings and is reflected in the values we strive to teach and uphold in our school community at John Paul College.
Pope Francis and Religious Tolerance
Pope Francis has consistently emphasised the importance of building bridges between different faith traditions. In his encyclical Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers and Sisters), he outlines his vision for a world where fraternity and social friendship transcend religious, cultural, and ethnic boundaries. His visit to the Indonesian mosque is a practical expression of this belief, a step towards fostering understanding, trust, and cooperation between different faiths. Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, is a significant symbol of religious diversity, and the Pope's visit to this mosque is not just a gesture of goodwill but a call for all of us to seek unity in our differences.
In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis writes, "Authentic social dialogue involves the ability to respect the other’s point of view and to admit that it may include legitimate convictions and concerns." This statement speaks directly to the message of his visit, which encourages all people, regardless of their faith, to come together in mutual respect and understanding. It is a call for all of us, particularly those in positions of influence and who nurture young people as educators and parents, to lead by example and create a culture of tolerance and open dialogue where every person feels valued and heard.
Our Role as Peacemakers
At John Paul College, we are called to be agents of peace and understanding in our own context. Our motto, "With Him is the fullness of life," reflects the heart of our mission as part of the Catholic church worldwide to be united in love, respect, and service. Just as Pope Francis is working to bring people of different faiths together on a global stage, we too can promote harmony in our own community. We are blessed to have students from various cultural and religious backgrounds, and this diversity is a strength that we celebrate.
In aligning with the Marianist and Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) charisms, we recognize the importance of walking together in companionship and faith. Pope Francis’ outreach to the Muslim community reminds us of the FCJ charism of "being companions" - journeying with others in love, understanding, and humility. Similarly, our Marianist values encourage us to be instruments of transformation in the world, promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Social Media and the Challenge of Dialogue
Pope Francis’ visit is a reminder of the importance of open and respectful dialogue. Unfortunately, we acknowledge the reality that, in today’s world, much of our communication happens online - often with a very different approach as statements designed to inflame and divide receive greater attention that those with positive messages. Social media, while a powerful tool for connection, is a space where dialogue is frequently reduced to soundbites, adversarial comments and where differing views are presented as irreconcilable. Too often, online conversations can foster division rather than unity, leading to misunderstandings, intolerance, and even hostility.
At John Paul College, we encourage our students to engage with social media in a way that reflects our values. Just as we foster face-to-face dialogue that is grounded in respect and understanding, we guide our students in navigating the digital world responsibly. The quick exchanges and polarised discussions typical of many online platforms do not allow for the thoughtful, empathetic conversations that are necessary for true understanding and peace. Pope Francis himself has spoken about the dangers of online aggression, stating, "Digital connectivity is not enough to build bridges; it needs to be accompanied by real encounters, by dialogue which is respectful and open to learning from others."
As a school, we are committed to teaching our students the skills to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue, both in person and online. This includes critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to listen to different perspectives without resorting to anger or dismissiveness. Our wellbeing and learning curricula aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the online world in a way that reflects our motto, "With Him is the fullness of life," by promoting peace, understanding, and unity rather than division.
The Call to Action
Pope Francis reminds us of the call of the Gospels to act with compassion, kindness, and openness to others. As a school, we are committed to nurturing these values in our students. Our programs and processes are designed to encourage dialogue, respect, and care for one another. We provide opportunities for students to explore different perspectives and grow in their understanding of the world around them, always with an eye towards fostering unity and peace.
The Indonesian Mosque visit is a profound example of how we can actively engage in creating peace, even in small ways, within our own school community. Whether it’s through open dialogue, service initiatives, or simply showing kindness to those around us, we have the power to make a difference. Let us continue to work together to live authentically and create a culture where all feel safe, respected, and loved—an environment that mirrors the global vision of peace and understanding that Pope Francis advocates.
So let us - students, staff, and families - reflect on the importance of building bridges and promoting peace in our daily lives, both in person and online. As Pope Francis has shown, each individual action can lead to a change of heart and development of a strong, inclusive culture. Let us embrace this message and strive to be leaders in compassion, tolerance, and unity, living out the Gospel values of love and peace.