Cardinal Suharyo: Pope Leo XIV Aims to Keep Catholic Church Relevant

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo revealed that Pope Leo XIV wants to continue the steps of Pope Francis whom he succeeded. According to Suharyo, Leo XIV shares the same spirit as Francis to keep the Catholic Church relevant with the times.

Suharyo said that the assessment is his conclusion after attending the conclave for the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on May 7-8. "The essence is that Pope Leo wants to continue what Pope Francis has done in seeking new paths," said Suharyo in a press conference at the Jakarta Cathedral on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Suharyo conveyed that the direction to be taken by the American pope has actually been seen from the papal name he chose. The previous pope who used the name Leo, namely Pope Leo XIII, was the first pope to write documents on the social teachings of the church or Catholic doctrine on various social issues.

Suharyo mentioned that Pope Leo XIII often highlighted the social changes that occurred in his time. Suharyo stated that the pope who served from 1878 to 1903 often discussed the Industrial Revolution and its impact on society. He speculated that Pope Leo XIV chose that name because he shares the same attitude in positioning the Catholic Church in the midst of a changing world.

Suharyo assessed that Francis also held the same position, who passed away on April 21, 2025. Currently, he said, the world is also experiencing changes with the development of technology and shifts in moral values in society.

Furthermore, Suharyo said the new direction of the Catholic Church under Leo XIV can also be seen more clearly when the new Bishop of Rome writes his first encyclical. The document is the pope's teaching on faith, morals, and other issues relevant to the church and the world. "I am convinced that it won't be too long," said Suharyo.

Pope Leo XIV was officially inaugurated on Sunday, May 18, 2025, marking the official beginning of his papacy. In his inauguration at the Vatican, he delivered a message of love and unity.

Pope Leo XIV, named Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from Chicago, United States. He was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church on May 8, 2025, after a two-day conclave. He held his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on May 9, 2025.

Dewi Rina Cahyani contributed to the writing of this article.

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