The Vatican. Pope Francis endorsed a declaration promoting religious tolerance on Wednesday by signing a document presented by a delegation of young Indonesian interfaith leaders who visited him at the Vatican.

The group, representing the youth wings of various Indonesian religious organizations, affirmed their commitment to fostering friendship and upholding the national ideology of Pancasila, which emphasizes religious tolerance and pluralism.

The declaration states:

We, the interfaith youth of Indonesia, hereby declare our commitment to:

• Being the generation that upholds the principles of Pancasila as a positive force for global civilization,
• Encouraging youth around the world to promote tolerance, solidarity, and shared responsibility,
• Supporting and disseminating the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together (Abu Dhabi Document) in pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.

The declaration was signed in advance by Addin Jauharudin, head of Nahdlatul Ulama’s youth wing GP Ansor; Stefanus Asat Gusma, head of Indonesian Catholic Youth; Dzulfikar Ahmad Tawalla, leader of Muhammadiyah’s youth wing; Sahat Martin Philip Sinurat, head of the Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI); I Gede Ariawan, head of the Indonesian Hindu Youth Association (Peradah); and Kris Tan, leader of the Indonesian Youth Confucianism Organization.

The meeting took place ahead of Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Indonesia on September 3.

GP Ansor’s Addin Jauharudin expressed his joy after meeting the head of the Catholic Church.

"He has deep respect for Indonesia and Pancasila and even agreed to sign the Jakarta-Vatican Declaration initiated by Indonesian interfaith youth leaders," Addin said.

He added that the interfaith youth delegation will continue their journey with visits to the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Nobel Peace laureates, and other global figures.

"We also plan to establish the Asia-Pacific Interfaith Youth Secretariat in Indonesia to follow up on the Jakarta-Vatican Declaration," he said.

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