Welcome to the insightful world of Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, as he shares his thoughts on the anticipated visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia in this exclusive article published on L’Osservatore Romano.
As Pope Francis embarks on his 45th Apostolic Journey abroad, the Archbishop of Jakarta expresses his excitement for the Pope’s upcoming visit from September 3 to 6. Not only Catholics, but also members of other faith communities eagerly anticipate the presence of Pope Francis in Indonesia.
Even before the official announcement of the Pope’s visit by the Government of Indonesia and the Bishops’ Conference, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque had acknowledged and welcomed the Pope’s visit during a joint event held at the Cathedral Church complex.
The symbolic proximity of the Cathedral Church to the Istiqlal Mosque represents the harmonious coexistence of various religious and cultural backgrounds in Indonesia.
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo expresses gratitude for the upcoming visit of Pope Francis, which will include meetings with government officials, ambassadors, and religious leaders, showcasing the Pope’s commitment to fostering unity and understanding among different communities.
During his visit, Pope Francis will bless the less fortunate and meet with members of the Society of Jesus of Indonesia. He will also visit significant religious sites such as the Istiqlal National Mosque and the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Jakarta.
The highlight of the visit will be a Mass at the Bung Karno stadium, where around 70,000 people will gather to celebrate with the Pope. Those unable to attend in person will join online at parish churches across Indonesia.
The Archbishop emphasizes the importance of embracing the Pope’s message and teachings, as well as embodying the themes of “faith, fraternity, and compassion” in daily life. He encourages the faithful to deepen their understanding of Pope Francis’ teachings through various publications and seminars.
As the Catholic community eagerly awaits Pope Francis’ visit, the Archbishop highlights the significance of faith, fraternity, and compassion in building a more humane society and reflects on the transformative power of genuine faith and solidarity.
