The pope made the announcement after his Angelus Address at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City on Sunday.  

“On Oct. 5 I will hold a consistory for the appointment of 10 new cardinals. Their origin expresses the missionary vocation of the Church, which continues to proclaim the merciful love of God to all the people of the Earth,” he said. 

Suharyo, who has held the position of archbishop since 2010, is among the 10 cardinals under the age of 80 who would be eligible to elect a new pope. In addition, Pope Francis also appointed three other cardinals over 80 to honor their distinguished service to the Catholic Church.

“Let us pray for the new cardinals so that, confirming their adherence to Christ, they may help me in my ministry as Bishop of Rome for the good of all the holy faithful people of God,” the pope said. 

Suharyo would be only the third cardinal ever from Indonesia, following in the footsteps of former Semarang archbishop Justinus Darmojuwono and former Jakarta archbishop Julius Darmaatmadja. 

Jakarta archdiocese secretary Adi Prasojo said that Suharyo’s nomination was a result of the archbishop’s good leadership. 

“[Suharyo’s] appointment also shows the importance of Indonesia in the eyes of the Vatican, especially in terms of diversity and tolerance,” Adi said as quoted by kompas.com.

The secretary of the Protestant Indonesian Communion of Churches, Gomar Gultom, congratulated Suharyo in a statement on Monday, saying that his appointment also reflects the Vatican’s trust in Indonesia.

“He is a shepherd who is very protective, not only of the Catholics, but also of all people, regardless of church and religion,” Gomar said.