Pope sends Idul Fitri message

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)