The Future of Faith, Fraternity, and Compassion in Indonesia: Cardinal Archbishop of Jakarta Reflects on Pope Francis’ Visit
After Pope Francis concluded his three-day Apostolic Journey to Indonesia and departed for Papua New Guinea, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, the Archbishop of Jakarta, shared his hopes for the future of “faith, fraternity, and compassion” among people of different faiths in the country.
By Fr. Bernardo Suate – Jakarta
Reflecting on the Pope’s visit, Cardinal Suharyo emphasized the significance of the theme that guided the journey: faith, fraternity, and compassion. He noted that these words encapsulate the essence of the Church’s mission in Indonesia and represent the core values that were deepened by Pope Francis during his visit.
According to Cardinal Suharyo, faith is the foundation on which individuals of all faiths must nurture themselves. He highlighted the importance of fraternity as an indicator of true faith, emphasizing that genuine faith is manifested through acts of compassion towards others.
Throughout the visit, Pope Francis addressed various groups, including priests, bishops, and religious leaders, underscoring the need for unity, mutual respect, and understanding among different religious communities. Cardinal Suharyo also mentioned the historic signing of an agreement between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam, which involved leaders of seven different religions in Indonesia.
Cardinal Suharyo expressed optimism that this agreement would not remain a mere document but would lead to tangible actions that promote harmony and collaboration among diverse religious communities. He highlighted the symbolic proximity of the state mosque and the cathedral in Jakarta as a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
In his concluding remarks, Cardinal Suharyo reiterated the importance of faith, fraternity, and compassion in shaping a better future for Indonesia. He emphasized that these values are universal and resonate with all individuals, regardless of their religious background.
As the Church in Indonesia looks towards the future, inspired by Pope Francis’ message of unity and solidarity, Cardinal Suharyo believes that the principles of faith, fraternity, and compassion will guide the country towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.
