Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI) Expresses Deep Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis, Recalls Message of Peace in Indonesia
Teologi.digital – Jakarta – The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Catholic Church, Pope Francis. His Holiness reportedly passed away at his residence in the Vatican on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM Rome time, at the age of 88.
The sad news was officially delivered by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s Camerlengo. Responding to this news, the Central Executive Board of PWGI immediately held a press conference at the PWGI Central Office in the Juanda area, Gambir, Jakarta, on the same day.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Church Journalists Association (PWGI), Dharma Leksana, S.Th., M.Si., expressed a great sense of loss. He specifically recalled Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia, which carried a message of peace and harmony. “Pope Francis once visited Indonesia with a message of peace and harmony,” said Dharma Leksana.
Dharma Leksana recalled the historic moment on September 4, 2024, when Pope Francis visited the State Palace and met with President Joko Widodo. On that occasion, President Jokowi also introduced Indonesia’s President-elect, Prabowo Subianto, to His Holiness. In his speech at the State Palace, Pope Francis delivered a powerful address on peace and harmony, emphasizing that differences should not be a source of hostility.
“Harmony in diversity is achieved when certain perspectives consider the common needs of all people and when all ethnic and religious groups act in a spirit of fraternity,” Pope Francis said in Italian, which was translated at the time.
He also affirmed that maintaining the values of harmony is the responsibility of every individual, especially those in positions of authority. Pope Francis stressed the Catholic Church’s desire to enhance interreligious dialogue to eliminate prejudice and foster mutual respect and trust.
On the third day of his visit to Indonesia, September 5, 2024, Pope Francis also visited the “Tunnel of Friendship” connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral. This moment was praised by the Pope as a symbol of religious harmony in Indonesia. “In this regard, the underground tunnel ‘tunnel of friendship’ connecting the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption must be mentioned. This is a meaningful symbol, which allows two great places of worship not only to face each other but to be connected to each other,” Pope Francis said at that time.
He encouraged the continuation of mutual respect and love so that spirituality and religious practices can develop together, contributing to the building of an open society based on mutual respect and love, and protected from violence, fundamentalism, and extremism.
Reiterating his statement at the beginning of the press conference, Dharma Leksana said, “With heavy hearts, we express our condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. He was an inspiration to many with his teachings of peace and love. Although he is gone, the spirit of peace he taught lives on and inspires all of us, especially in PWGI. May his legacy live on in our hearts.”
Meanwhile, in the Vatican, Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the passing of His Holiness. In his capacity, the Camerlengo holds the administrative authority of the Vatican during the period of the vacant See (Sede Vacante). “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to serving God and His Church,” said Cardinal Farrell.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, made history as the first Pope from the South American continent and the first Pope from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) order. He was elected Pope on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned.
Cardinal Farrell also highlighted Pope Francis’s spiritual and humanitarian legacy, which taught the living out of Gospel values with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the marginalized. Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis was widely known for his messages of unconditional love, forgiveness, and solidarity. These messages were conveyed through various platforms, including pastoral visits to various parts of the world, including conflict zones and refugee camps.
“With deep gratitude for his noble example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis into the embrace of the boundless and merciful divine love of the Triune God,” Cardinal Farrell concluded.
As a sign of mourning, funeral bells tolled from St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican flag was flown at half-mast. A number of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square were seen bowing their heads in silent prayer.
(Dh.L./Red)
