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New cardinal shares pope's wish for Indonesian Church

Cardinal Suharyo says his elevation reflected the pope's faith in how the local Church is evolving
New cardinal shares pope's wish for Indonesian Church

Indonesian Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo (center) tells Catholics that Pope Francis wants the Indonesian Church to continue to grow in line with the spirit of Vatican II to bring the Church’s mission to society. (Photo by Konradus Epa/ucanews)

Published: October 21, 2019 07:55 AM GMT
Updated: October 21, 2019 07:56 AM GMT

Indonesia’s new cardinal, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, says his elevation reflected Pope Francis’ desire to see the Catholic Church in Indonesia continue to develop and grow in line with the spirit of Vatican II.

Archbishop Suharyo of Jakarta was appointed a cardinal on Sept. 1 and installed with 12 others from around the world during a consistory at the Vatican on Oct. 5. 

“I’m sure my appointment is a form of recognition by the [Universal] Catholic Church and the Holy Father Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in Indonesia, to encourage it to live up to the values of the Vatican Council,” the cardinal said in his homily on Oct. 18 at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Jakarta.

The thanksgiving Mass, attended by about 2,000 people, was concelebrated with seven bishops including Archbishop Pierro Pioppo, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, and dozens of priests.

The cardinal said the pope recognized the Indonesian Church’s efforts that continuously promote values such as diversity, brotherhood, unity and peace through its pastoral programs.

Cardinal Suharyo also said that Pope Francis respects the values of Indonesia’s secular ideology Pancasila, or Five Principles, with key elements of belief in God, social justice, democracy, national unity and a just and civilized humanity.

The cardinal, who is also president of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, said the Indonesian Church has always wanted to become a church that is more relevant for Catholics, has significance in society and continues to follow the wind of change.

He also thanked Archbishop Pioppo for his continuous support for the Indonesian Church and his role in maintaining good ties between Indonesia and the Vatican.

Archbishop Pioppo, who has been nuncio to Indonesia since 2017, said he was happy with the progress Indonesian Catholics have made in upholding the Church’s mission. “We all should be proud of that and that the pope has appointed a cardinal from Indonesia,” he said.

He reminded those at the Mass that “becoming a Catholic means being part of a big family that proclaims the Good News to everyone.”

Becoming a Catholic means living in harmony, peace and love, and showing the way in building mutual respect in a country that has cultural and religious diversity, he added.

Fransiscus Xaverius Irwan Zaini a parishioner from North Jakarta, said as a Catholic he was proud the pope was recognizing the Indonesian Church.

“It shows Indonesian society and the world that the Catholic Church in Indonesia has an important role to play in promoting people’s welfare,” he said.

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