Denpasar – People from different religious backgrounds in Bali gathered to pray for Pope Francis on Sunday,

April 27, 2025. The interfaith prayer was facilitated by Yayasan Upaya Indonesia Damai (YUID) and held within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The prayers were led by religious leaders from each faith: Catholic by Saputra, Muslim by Ilham Saputra, Hindu by Jero Mangku I Made Sandya, and Protestant by Maria Nastiti. Participants respectfully took turns joining each prayer according to each religion's tradition.

The atmosphere grew more solemn when candles were distributed to all attendees and then lit. Everyone was asked to bow their heads in silence to pray for Pope Francis. After several moments of reflection, participants were invited to place their candles inside a heart-shaped installation prepared by the event organizers.

Placing candles with personal intentions into the heart installation symbolized the realization of Pope Francis’s message of compassion to people across the globe. The installation itself was the collaborative creation of over 1,000 Indonesian children from various regions of the country.Next, all participants were guided to walk around a heart-shaped path on the western side of the venue. A striking moment occurred when a flock of doves flew around the prayer location at Kura Kura Bali.

“It seems the universe is with the Holy Father. Look, the venue is suddenly filled with birds flying above,” said the event host. The entire interfaith gathering took place at the Three Mountains bamboo pavilion in Kura Kura Bali, uniting participants in a profound spirit of solidarity and peace. “Pope Francis is a symbol of brotherhood and interreligious peace. Today, people of all faiths come together at this place—also a symbol of peace. This place welcomes everyone, regardless of religion. From here, we call on the world to uphold tolerance and love amid diversity,” added the host. Beau Reyhan Sinatria, a representative of the organizers, explained that the heart installation shown to the interfaith participants was inspired by Pope Francis, who had the ability to deeply understand and embrace the human person in both body and spirit, without exception.

“In 2021, when the world was hit by the pandemic, Pope Francis addressed the youth around the world with a simple question: ‘How are you?’ He inspired young people everywhere to better understand themselves, regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or background,” he said.

These themes are reflected in the heart installation, inspired by the life and work of Pope Francis, who reached out to people just as they are. Sinatria added that the world has lost a spiritual figure who inspired humanity. Though Pope Francis has passed away, he leaves behind a legacy of love, peace, and exemplary leadership in promoting humanitarian values for all. Pope Francis championed education that transcends religious, ethnic, racial, and class boundaries. One of his enduring legacies in Indonesia is the Heart Installation, a contemplative art space embodying the values of love, dialogue, and interfaith and intercultural connection. “To us, Pope Francis is not only a spiritual leader of the Catholic Church but also a beacon of diversity, inclusion, and peace. The presence of the Heart Installation is living proof of Pope Francis’s legacy in Indonesia,” Sinatria concluded.

Source:

https://www.metrotvnews.com/read/KYVC4DML-umat-lintas-agama-di-denpasar-gelar-doa-bersama-untuk-paus-fransiskus