Pope Francis urges Indonesian Catholics to embrace Faith, Unity and Compassion

Jakarta, September 5, 2024: On September 4, Pope Francis addressed clergy and religious leaders at Jakarta’s Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, urging them to embody the virtues of faith, fraternity, and compassion. His message echoed the core themes of his Apostolic Visit to Indonesia: “Faith, Fraternity, Compassion.”

The Pope underscored the importance of these values in a country celebrated for its rich diversity and commitment to unity. He encouraged the faithful to see Indonesia’s natural and cultural wealth as a reflection of God’s presence, fostering gratitude and responsibility among its people.

Pope Francis called for greater unity within the Church, urging openness to Indonesia’s diverse cultural and religious landscape. He emphasized the need to make Church teachings more accessible by translating them into Bahasa Indonesia, ensuring a wider reach.

On the theme of compassion, the Pope urged the Church to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable and warned against self-interest. He advocated for charity and solidarity as essential pillars of a just and compassionate society.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis invoked the Marian symbolism of the Cathedral, encouraging continued strength in faith, unity, and compassion. He asked for prayers for his mission and assured the congregation of his prayers in return.

This visit reflects Pope Francis’s ongoing commitment to building a Church that is inclusive, unified, and deeply compassionate, resonating with the broader vision of his papacy.

Pope Francis, leader of the world's Catholics, embarked on his Apostolic Journey to the Asia-Pacific region in September 2024, with visits planned to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.

Indonesia is the first stop on his itinerary, scheduled for September 3-6, 2024. His visit follows those of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.

This 11-day journey, from September 3 to 13, 2024, marks Pope Francis’s longest trip since becoming the head of the Catholic Church 11 years ago.

Courtesy: RVA News