TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican, at the age of 88. His passing deeply saddened Catholics worldwide, including those in Indonesia.
This was especially poignant since the Pope had visited the country for four days, from September 3 to 6, 2024, as part of his apostolic journey. During his stay in Indonesia, the Pope met with the 7th President, Joko Widodo, visited the Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque, and conducted a Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
As the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide and the Head of State of the Vatican, the Pope consistently conveyed significant messages during his visits. So, what were the key messages he brought during his apostolic journey to Indonesia?
Three Messages for Indonesia
Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas conveyed three messages from the Pope to the Indonesian people. "First, diversity in Indonesia is a strength that must be preserved and become a blessing for this nation," he told the media at the VIP Lounge of Soekarno Hatta Airport on Friday, September 6, 2024, as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Secondly, Pope Francis advocated for the continuous prioritization of dialogue as the essential means to overcome any differences and disagreements that may arise. "Then, he emphasized the critical importance of environmental stewardship, urging its preservation in its verdant state for the benefit of generations yet to come," the Minister added.
Building a Civilization of Peace
The Pope also urged people not to tire of building a civilization of peace in the archipelago. "Do not be tired of sailing and spreading your path, do not be tired of dreaming and rebuilding a civilization of peace. Always dare to dream of brotherhood!" the Pope exclaimed during the Holy Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium complex in Jakarta on Thursday, September 5, 2024, as quoted from Antara.
The Pope also invited Catholics to follow in the footsteps of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. "When we have nothing to give, let us give that poverty. And remember, even when you do not reap anything, never tire of sowing," he said, citing the words of Mother Teresa.
Sowing Love
The Pope encouraged all Catholics in Indonesia to sow love with full confidence. Additionally, he urged them to continually demonstrate good deeds and a kind heart, with the distinctive smile characteristic of Indonesian society, to become builders of unity and peace.
"By doing so, you will spread the scent of hope around you," he said at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium complex in Jakarta on Thursday, September 5, 2024, as quoted from Antara.
Maintaining Bonds of Friendship
Pope Francis emphasized the importance of nurturing bonds among fellow human beings. He believed that people often try to find similarities amidst differences. However, he argued that such an approach could trigger divisions, especially when it comes to differences in dogma and religious experience.
"What truly brings us closer is creating relationships between our differences, by ensuring that bonds of friendship, attention, and reciprocity grow," the Pope said in the area of Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
About Empathy
The Pope also touched on the issue of empathy, which was one of the mottos of his apostolic journey to Indonesia and other Asia-Pacific countries. "What makes the world move forward is not the calculation of personal interests—which generally leads to the destruction of creation and the division of communities—but presenting love to one another," he said at Jakarta Cathedral on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
He elaborated that empathy does not obscure the vision of true life. On the contrary, it enables a person to see various things better in the light of spontaneous love. "We can truly see reality with the eyes of the heart," he said.
Praying for the People of Indonesia
When visiting the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the leader of the Catholic community, whose real name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, conveyed a message in Italian on ivory-colored paper with gold-inked scribbles.
"Immersed in the beauty of this land, a place of meeting and dialogue among different cultures and religions. I pray that the people of Indonesia may continue to grow in faith, brotherhood, and affection. May God bless Indonesia," the Pope wrote in black ink, repeating the sentiment four times.
Below the message, Pope Francis signed his tiny signature with a script that read "Franciscus." He handed the handwritten note to President Joko Widodo. The Pope placed the note in a brown folder.
Daniel Ahmad Fajri, Khumar Mahendra, Amelia Rahima Sari, Francisca Christy Rosana, and Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
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