'Vatican: Gus Dur considered the same as saint'

Jakarta, NU Online
Gus Dur has very good relationship with interfaith communities, including the Catholic leaders at the Vatican. He has some of the time come to Rome for a dialogue with them about religious matters and humanity.<>

After the death of Gus Dur, the Gus Dur's 'tradition' has still been continued by the leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization. 

In 2013, the Secretary General of NU H Marsudi Syuhud visited to the Vatican to meet with Pope and have a dialogue. Before meeting with the Pope, he was given the opportunity to express his views before 10 other Vatican leaders. 

On the occasion, the leaders of the Catholic talked about Gus Dur's visit a few years earlier. They said that a year before Gus Dur became president, he came to the Vatican, promising to visit it again next year when he would become president. The Vatican leaders thought Gus Dur was sick while making his statement, so it was not taken seriously.
What promised by Gus Dur came true. A year later, he visited to the Vatican when he served as president. Of course his promised visit did make the Vatican figures surprised.

"They think Gus Dur as a saint, holy person who has spiritual qualities," said Marsudi.

One of those accompanying Marsudi to come to the Vatican, also share his testimony that he felt lost since the death of Gus Dur. 

"It is your duty and other NU leaders to continue the Gus Dur's struggle," he said.

Marsudi also expressed recognition of the Gus Dur's spiritual heights said by by the Mormon Church leaders following their 'spiritual interactions' with with Gus Dur, saying the Gus Dur's spiritual ability was the same as that owned by the Church spiritual leaders.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq