Pope sends Idul Fitri message

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Aceh's most senior ulema, Ali Hasjmy, has received Idul Fitri greetings from Pope John Paul II, Antara reported yesterday.

The message, sent through the North Sumatra/Aceh Bishop Mgr AGP Batubara, was hand delivered by a Catholic priest, Rev. Fernando, to Ali Hasjmy last Sunday, the day of the Idul Fitri holiday.

Ali, who is also chairman of the provincial chapter of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas, said the letter had also been signed by the head of the papal commission on interreligious dialog, Cardinal Francis Arianze.

Ali said he believed the Pope had sent the greeting because the papal museum has an Aceh rencong (traditional weapon) given to him in 1994.

Ali's sons delivered the rencong to the Pope in person. (swe)