JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, expressed his condolences for the death of the supreme leader of the World Catholic Church as well as the Head of State of the Vatican, Pope Francis.
He hopes that Pope Francis' good and noble teachings will become a legacy that can be passed on by mankind.
"Deep condolences for the passing of Pope Francis. May the legacy of the spirit of peace in his love always live in the hearts of mankind," said Puan, Monday, April 21.
Reported from the Vatican, Pope Francis died at the age of 88, a day after his appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Sunday, April 20, local time at Easter.
Pope Francis' health condition has reportedly declined recently after being hospitalized for five weeks due to pneumonia.
Puan also recalled Pope Francis' arrival to Indonesia on September 3-6, 2024.
"The Pope's arrival at that time received a warm welcome from the Indonesian people. This is proof that the Holy Father is not only loved by Catholics, but is also appreciated by all people from various religions," said Puan.
"The figure of the Sri Paus who is very humble and full of simplicity makes him admired by the people of Indonesia," he added.
Puan was also honored to receive an invitation from the Pope to the Apostulic Palace, Vatican City to attend the World Leaders Summit on Children's Rights or the World Leaders Summit on Children's Rights in early February. Puan was invited with the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri.
In the event, said Puan, world leaders had the opportunity to have a dialogue and took in-depth action to protect the rights and welfare of each child. The 'Let's Love and Protect Them'-themed meeting was attended by world leaders such as a number of heads of state, high-ranking officials, and leading global advocates for children's rights.
"It is an honor for me to receive an invitation from Pope Francis to attend the World Leaders Summit on Children's Rights," he said.
Puan also expressed her appreciation for the initiative of the Pope to hold a World Leaders Summit on Children's Rights because the event also encourages international cooperation to build a safer and fairer future for children around the world.
"I appreciate Pope Francis for his initiative to hold a World Leaders' Summit on Children's Rights. With World Leaders Summit on Children's Rights, we can sit down together and exchange ideas about children's rights and global humanitarian missions for future generations," he continued.
Prior to the World Leaders Summit on Children's Rights, Puan and Megawati also participated in the Unbroken Kids Alliance forum which was held at the San Salvatore in Lauro Museum, Rome, Sunday, February 2. This alliance houses children who are victims of the Palestinian and Ukrainian wars.
In activities in Italy at that time, Pope Francis and Megawati also received Pope Francis at his residence on Friday, February 7. According to the Vatican, for the first time Pope Francis was willing to receive his foreign guests at his private residence.
Even though she was not well, Sri Paus still took the time to meet because of her respect for Bung Karno's family, especially Megawati, who was asked to be a judge for the Zayed Award, an event that appreciates organizations and individuals who encourage and support humanitarian activities.
Puan said the meeting with the Pope in Santa Marta at that time was going warmly. He thanked the Pope for the willingness to accept it.
"I'm really honored for the Pope's welcome to us. Even though he was not healthy, the Pope at that time warmly and friendlyly accepted us," said Puan.
When meeting Pope Francis, Puan said that she and her mother conveyed greetings from the Indonesian nation, especially Catholics in Indonesia who admired the Pope so much. To both of them, the Pope then thanked the friendliness of the Indonesian people while saying the Indonesian people were beautiful people.
Puan and Megawati also gave souvenirs to Pope Francis. Puan gave mementos in the form of puppet clothes made of traditional Indonesian batik.
Meanwhile, Megawati gave a painting of the Virgin Mary which was specially brought from Jakarta. The painting is plagured with a height of 176 cm and a width of 120 cm, and uniquely, Mother Mary is depicted wearing a white mantilla veil and a red veil.
According to Puan, the Pope's departure was not only lost to Catholics, but also to the world community. Sri Pope Francis, he said, is a figure who strongly supports peace.
"He always advocates for violence and war to be stopped. The world has lost a big figure," said Puan.
"Goodbye Holy Father, Pope Francis. Hopefully the legacy of the spirit of the Pope in humanity will continue to bring benefits and be passed on by all mankind on earth," said Puan.
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