Jakarta Archbishop Recalls Pope Francis' Visit to Indonesia: Chatting with Driver and Asking for Candy

April 22, 2025 | 08:29 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Archbishop of Jakarta Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo reminisces about the late Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia. The Pope, who passed away on April 21, 2025, spent four days in Indonesia in September 2024.

According to Suharyo, some memorable moments with Francis were the simple things. "I was in the same car with him twice," Suharyo said at the Jakarta Cathedral on Monday, April 21, 2025.

While in the car with Francis, Suharyo said the Bishop of Rome often conversed with the driver. In fact, he mentioned that Pope Francis treated his driver as a friend.

Suharyo mentioned that the Pope refused to travel in a car with windows that could only be opened halfway. Francis only wanted a car with windows that could be fully opened. His reason was so there would be no barrier when he met people on the street.

Suharyo said the Pope also often asked his driver to stop if he saw children on the street. "'Please stop here,' then he spoke to the driver, 'where's the candy?'" Suharyo exemplified Francis. He then gave the candy to the children.

Suharyo expressed his admiration for the head of the Vatican state, who always took the time to think about bringing candy everywhere. "The children were so happy. Maybe the candy was never eaten. Perhaps it was saved, who knows. It's that simple," he said.

Moreover, Suharyo recounted that the man born Jorge Mario Bergoglio always expressed his happiness in Indonesia. "Very pleased. Why? He always said, 'I always see smiling faces, no fierce or angry faces, always with a smile,'" Suharyo said.

He stated that Pope Francis was a figure approachable by anyone. Even, according to Suharyo, the guards were well aware that Francis often departed from protocol to be closer to the people.

Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, one day after Easter. During the Easter moment, the Pope delivered several messages through an aide, while the man from Argentina only briefly appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

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