Inside Pope Francis’ Meeting with Jesuits in Indonesia
During his Apostolic Journey to Indonesia, Pope Francis took the time to meet with his fellow Jesuits at the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta. This gathering, known as a ‘brotherly visit among confreres,’ was a warm and familiar encounter, according to Fr. Antonio Spadaro, SJ, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
Among those in attendance was Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja, SJ, the 89-year-old Archbishop Emeritus of Jakarta. The Pope spent about an hour speaking privately with the Jesuits, answering questions and sharing insights on various topics, including discernment, prayer, interreligious dialogue, and inculturation.
One of the highlights of the meeting was Pope Francis’ surprise and joy at seeing the youth among the Jesuits in Indonesia. He noted the vitality and generative capacity of the Church in the country, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the common good and fostering harmony within a pluralistic context.
Fr. Spadaro commended the Pope for his keen interest in the specific challenges and opportunities facing local Churches, expressing hope for a future marked by unity and collaboration. The Pope’s upcoming meetings with Jesuits in Timor-Leste and Singapore will continue this dialogue and exchange of ideas.
For those eager to delve deeper into the discussions that took place, a full transcript of the Holy Father’s meeting with the Jesuits will be published in the renowned Jesuit review, La Civiltà Cattolica, in the coming weeks.
