ASIA/INDONESIA - Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus express sympathy with Catholics in Surabaya: “We are united with you in mourning the loss of a great man for all humanity "

Surabaya (Fides Service) - “We have lost a great man, a man who changed the world, a man of humility and simplicity, a man who loved the poor”. These are some of the comments heard in Surabaya, Indonesia, said Sr Luz Mª Pérez of the Poor Clares Missionaries of the Most Holy Sacrament. The Sisters have worked for many years in Surabaya where people are 95% and Catholics are only 1.8%. “The death of the Holy Father had a great impact on people here. Requiem masses are being said in the 11 churches in the town. All the people are touched. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus stop us on the streets to offer their sympathy. They say: < we are united with you in mourning the loss of a great man for all humanity >”.
In this mainly Muslim country the media have given ample space to the illness and death of Pope John Paul II, referring to him as a great man. Metro TV channel is keeping the country informed on events in Rome. “All this is a sign that the Holy Father Pope John Paul II had a great impact of everyone and was dear to many people” Sr Luz told Fides. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2005)