Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia in September 2023 was a significant event for the Catholic Church. However, the challenges of implementing the visit's message of solidarity and reconciliation are becoming apparent.
Papuans took part in a protest held in front of the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Jakarta on Sept. 4 to request Pope Francis 's immediate intervention against the Indonesian government's military operations in Papua province. The visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia from Sept. 3 to 6 was an important milestone for the Indonesian Catholic Church this year.
For Catholics, who make up only three percent of the 275 million population, it was a special occasion that came their way more than three decades after John Paul II's visit in 1989. Francis' visit, with its theme “Faith, Brotherhood, and Mercy,” emphasized the Church's commitment to solidarity with others, especially the marginalized in the Muslim-majority country. The papal visit invited religious communities to'increase respect for human dignity, solidarity, and reconciliation,' the Indonesian Bishops' Conference said during its annual meeting on Nov.3-7. 'In this way, we help realize a national life that respects human rights more, preserves the universe, prioritizes dialogue, and peaceful ways to resolve problems,' according to the bishops. However, as the euphoria over the papal visit ceased to be part of people's conversations, implementing its spirit proved challenging.Indonesia , especially regarding the silence of its leadership on socio-ecological problems that plagued the lives of people in remote areas. This attitude triggered open criticism of church institutions and hierarchies, especially from marginalized communities that felt ignored and from the vocal younger generation. There was disappointment with the hierarchy for its indifference to the grief and anxiety of the people and preference for staying in their comfort zone.One of them came to light in June and involved a diocesan priest in Flores, who was caught sleeping with the wife of a parishioner. Widespread coverage of the scandal in the national media, accompanied by pressure on the diocese to take a firm stance, led him to resig
Indonesian Church Pope Francis Papal Visit Solidarity Challenges
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