Visiting Indonesia, Pope Francis Raises Issues Of Dehumanization And Environmental Issues

Pope Francis. (Wikimedia Commons/Aletia Image Department)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Mgr Antonius Subianto Bunjamin said that dehumanization and environmental problems would be the main issue raised by Pope Francis during his visit to Indonesia. "The humanitarian and environmental issues are the two main things that will be discussed. There it is hoped that we will agree to actualize the values of Pancasila," said Antonius, Wednesday, August 28. However, Antonius Subianto acknowledged that the administrators of the Catholic Church involved in this activity do not know for sure the issues and themes that Pope Francis will raise. However, based on the teachings and visits of Pope Francis before, he believes that humanitarian issues will be the main focus of the visit. "What will be conveyed by the Pope has never been notified in detail, but if we look at his teachings and previous visits, we believe that humanitarian issues will be the main theme," he explained. Furthermore, Antonius mentioned in Pope Francis' visit to the Istiqlal Mosque later, there will be a declaration of humanitarian and interfaith unity. "The global phenomenon of dehumanization, especially in the form of violence and conflicts that cause many victims, including violence against girls, will be in the spotlight. In addition, human exploitation and environmental damage will also be discussed," he added. Antonius hopes that this Pope Francis visit can produce an agreement in the application of Pancasila values. He also invites religious leaders to work together in response to various environmental crises and dehumanization that are still rifeud.

"Before the Pope's arrival, we from the Indonesian Bishops' Conference and local churches had tried to work together to deal with social issues, especially human trafficking issues," he explained. What Pope Francis will convey to the President, "he said.