Cardinal Suharyo: Pope Francis Is Touched, His Wish While In Indonesia Is Fulfilled

Bishop of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Mgr Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo/ Photo: IST

JAKARTA - The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Mgr Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo said that Pope Francis was very touched while in Indonesia, because all the needs and desires of the leader of the World Catholic Church as well as the Head of State of the Vatican were well fulfilled by the Indonesian government.

Cardinal Suharyo explained that Pope Francis should meet officially with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Bogor Palace. However, considering his age is no longer young, and his distance is so far, Cardinal Suharyo requested that he be allowed to meet President Jokowi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

Jokowi welcomed the request and the two met at the Merdeka Palace on Wednesday, September 4.

"That was a request given by the President. And as far as I participated in the event, the event (at the Merdeka Palace) was truly very special," explained Cardinal Suharyo.

"What's even more special, which is very touching for the Pope, is when the President greets the Pope, when he comes to the Madya Stadium, it doesn't come to mind," he said.

Thursday, September 5 afternoon before the Holy Mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), President Jokowi came to the GBK Intermediate Stadium to greet Pope Francis. President Jokowi was accompanied by a number of officials giving greetings to Pope Francis who will hold the Ekaristi celebration with Catholics at 17.00 WIB.

"This is really very special. Thank you to the President who is sincere," said the former Archbishop of Semarang.

"Thank you to the Indonesian government, especially to ministries or institutions, security forces, and all event committees who have helped welcome and organize the event very well for Pope Francis," said the third Cardinal of Indonesia.

Cardinal Suharyo also highly appreciated the participation of all parties who wish to comply with direct requests from the Vatican.

"Since the beginning of the planned verbal note, communication between the Vatican Embassy to Indonesia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has always been smooth. And as far as I can hear, as far as I know from committee friends, the Indonesian government through these ministries provides conveniences according to the expectations of the Vatican team," said Cardinal Suharyo.

"So it's as if it was spoiled, want to ask for this please, want to ask for it please, everything is obeyed. That's very amazing," said the Cardinal from Yogyakarta.

Pope Francis, still said Cardinal Suharyo, repeatedly admitted that he was very touched by the hospitality of the Indonesian people.

Finally, Cardinal Suharyo revealed, the meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque showed that the largest mosque in Southeast Asia was not only a place of worship for Muslims, but also a house that unites all people.

"That the mosque is not just a place of worship for Muslims, but also a house of brotherhood with all kinds of new initiatives," concluded Cardinal Suharyo.