Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV speaking during a mass with cardinals in the Sistine Chapel in The Vatican on May 9, 2025. - AFP
JAKARTA: Indonesian Catholics have joyfully welcomed Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from North America and the Order of Saint Augustine, expressing hope that he will continue the legacy of his predecessor by prioritising the poor and marginalised, and promoting unity within the Catholic Church.
Christine Sedik, a 23-year-old Catholic from Sorong, West Papua, now living in West Java, offered a prayer of gratitude, especially moved by the fact that the new pope had once visited her hometown.
“I hope Pope Leo will lead the Catholic Church toward a better future, with a vision that, like his predecessor, embraces the poor and marginalised,” she said on Friday (May 9).
Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, travelLed to remote areas in Manokwari and Sorong in 2003 during a five-day canonical visitation as a leader of the Order of Saint Augustine, which is known for its commitment to communion and service.
Vicar Jan Pieter Fatem, who accompanied him on the mission, recalled Prevost as “a humble and quiet man, but a good listener.”
“We can see that he emphasises unity within the Church and unity of heart, which can only be achieved through love and compassion,” the Augustinian vicar told The Jakarta Post, referring to the pope’s episcopal motto, inspired by a sermon on Christian unity by St. Augustine.
Jan Pieter added that Catholics in Papua were hopeful the new pope would bring global attention to ongoing conflicts in the region.
“The faithful in Sorong pray that he can be a mediator in the growing tensions in Papua by encouraging dialogue rooted in human dignity,” he said.
Priest Yosua Kristinus Guntur who served in Bogor, West Java, reflected on Pope Leo’s first Mass on Friday, during which the pontiff reminded the faithful that “the Church is a home for everyone and must be a pioneer for those who seek peace.”
He also noted the significance of Prevost’s choice of papal name, as Pope Leo XIII was known for ushering the Church into modernity.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Pope Leo XIV addresses today’s pressing issues such as trade wars and the LGBT community,” Yosua said.
The Indonesian Bishops Council (KWI) also welcomed the new pontiff.
KWI executive secretary Paulus Christian Siswantoko said the swift election brought hope to Catholics worldwide. “This is a joyous moment for the entire Catholic Church,” Paulus told the Post on Friday.
“We hope Pope Leo will lead with simplicity and humility, while preserving the profound Church traditions" Indonesian state officials also extended their congratulations to the new pope, with Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar describing his inaugural message as “a universal call we must pursue together to build a more peaceful world.”
He further hoped that the pope will continue the interfaith commitment outlined by his predecessor Francis in the Istiqlal Declaration, during his visit to Jakarta in September last year. “
We hope this commitment will remain strong under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, for a more humane world, a more sustainable environment and stronger social cohesion.”
Hadi echoed the sentiment, extending congratulations on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian government.
“On behalf of the President and the government, I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election,” he said on Friday, adding that a formal statement from President Prabowo would follow. Following the death of Pope Francis last month, the conclave concluded after two days of deliberations.
On Thursday, white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, and the traditional Habemus Papam (We have a pope) was proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.
Prevost, 69, emerged as Pope Leo XIV and became the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the first United States-born pontiff and was made a cardinal just last year by the late Pope Francis.
“Peace be with you,” were the pope’s first words to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He paid tribute to his predecessor and vowed to continue Francis’ legacy of blessing the world.
“Without fear, united, hand in hand with God we will go forward,” he said, as quoted by official Vatican News.
“We want to be a synodal Church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”
Prevost previously served for decades in Peru, including as Bishop of Chiclayo in northwestern Peru from 2015 to 2023, before Pope Francis brought him to Rome to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing bishops from Catholic priests across the globe.
His choice of name is widely seen as a nod to Pope Leo XIII, who was known for guiding the Church through the social transformations of the 19th century. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
