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Indonesians of all faiths mourn Pope Francis’ passing
Catholics remember the late Pope Francis for his message to build bridges of hope and peace, while leaders of non-Catholic organizations vow to carry on the pontiff’s work to nurture humanity.
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Cradled icon: A woman holds a picture of Pope Francis on Tuesday after visiting the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta. Catholics visited the embassy to pray for Pope Francis, who died at 88 on Monday, following a stroke after months of declining health. (Antara/Dhemas Reviyanto)
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he death of Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church since 2013, has left Indonesian Catholics and non-Catholics nationwide mourning for the late Argentine pontiff, who is remembered for his humility and leadership that emphasized tolerance and peace within the Church.
Yoseph Kristinus Guntur, a religious studies lecturer and a priest at the Bogor diocese in West Java, recalled the pope’s message for the Church to become a bridge for building hope and peace.
After the pontiff’s death, Yoseph has been reflecting on the pope’s final Easter address on Sunday, in which he called for an end to wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Pope Francis’ Easter address on Sunday was his final public appearance, in which he blessed congregations gathering in St. Peter’s Square in The Vatican, before he died, aged 88, the next day due to a stroke. He had battled declining health in recent months due to acute respiratory failure and double pneumonia.
Yoseph also recalled the Roman Catholic Church leader’s openness for interfaith dialogue, pointing to a meeting with other religious figures during his apostolic trip to Jakarta in September 2024.
“This is a testament that the world should see Indonesia as a prototype of harmony in diversity,” the priest said. “It gives me hope that we, as a nation, can be tolerant and open to differences.”
Read also: Officials, Catholic leaders send condolences for Pope Francis’ passing
