Pope Leo XIV's 2003 Visit to Papua: A Look at His Actions

8 hours ago 3

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope and the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide. The Cardinal from the United States, who will use the name Pope Leo XIV, is known to have visited Papua.

Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). He visited Papua in 2003. His visit was related to OSA's service anniversary celebration in Papua. Pope Leo XIV was known to have visited the Diocese of Sorong in Jayapura.

"Not only in the cities, but he also went to the hinterlands. We have parishes in remote areas," said Bishop Timika OSA, Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, to Tempo, on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Bernardus said that the visit occurred while Robert Prevost was still serving as the OSA Prior General. Therefore, during the visit more than 20 years ago, Robert Prevost visited members of the Augustinian Order to listen to their grievances.

According to Bernardus, at that time, Robert had heard much about the difficulties and conflicts in the Papua region. "He understood that and certainly supported us, Agustinian members, to continue working, to help the community," said Bernardus.

For Bernardus, who has met him several times, Pope Leo XIV enjoys listening. He said the new Pope only speaks when necessary. Regarding Papua, Bernardus said Pope Leo XIV also paid special attention.

Because Bernardus has reported the situation in Papua to Pope Leo XIV, which is still closely tied to armed conflicts. He had mentioned this several times during global OSA meetings. According to him, Pope Leo XIV provided moral support to the OSA Diocese of Papua to endure the existing situation.

He believes Pope Leo XIV can use his position to mediate in the armed conflict between the government and the civilians in Papua. "The situation in Papua is a humanitarian issue, an ecological issue that also affects the world. Why not sit down and talk heart to heart and resolve it with love, peace, and justice," said Bernardus.

Bernardus mentioned that Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of dialogue with an open heart to solve problems. Therefore, similarly, he wants Pope Leo XIV to bridge this dialogue process.

"I hope the Pope will play a role in making the Indonesian government and all policymakers listen to our voices in the Papua Church. Sit together low, stand together high to talk and resolve," he added.

Editor's Choice: Indonesian Churches Hope Pope Leo XIV Upholds Francis' Legacy

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

7 Interesting Facts About Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

17 menit lalu

7 Interesting Facts About Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pope

Pope Leo XIV is the first U.S.-born pontiff, with a background that offers unique insights for Catholics and the world.

Indonesian Churches Hope Pope Leo XIV Upholds Francis' Legacy

3 jam lalu

Indonesian Churches Hope Pope Leo XIV Upholds Francis' Legacy

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes the 267th Pope and will lead the Catholic Church worldwide as Pope Leo XIV

European Leaders Congratulate Pope Leo XIV, Sending Hope for Peace

5 jam lalu

European Leaders Congratulate Pope Leo XIV, Sending Hope for Peace

Leaders of Europe congratulate the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and express hopes for peace and unity.

Profile of Pope Leo XIV, the First American-Born Pontiff

7 jam lalu

Profile of Pope Leo XIV, the First American-Born Pontiff

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from the United States has been elected as new pope in the papal conclave.

Papal Conclave: American-Born Cardinal Robert Prevost Chosen as New Pope

8 jam lalu

Papal Conclave: American-Born Cardinal Robert Prevost Chosen as New Pope

American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected the new pope, after a puff of white smoke was seen.

The 10 Most Unsafe Countries in the World, Rife with Conflict and Chaos

21 jam lalu

The 10 Most Unsafe Countries in the World, Rife with Conflict and Chaos

Discover the most unsafe countries in the world that present some of the most perilous conditions for both residents and visitors here.

11 Popes with the Shortest Reigns in Catholic Church History

22 jam lalu

11 Popes with the Shortest Reigns in Catholic Church History

Of the 266 popes elected throughout the history of the Catholic Church, 11 popes are known for their very brief papal terms.

Election of the New Pope: How Long Will the Papal Conclave Last?

1 hari lalu

Election of the New Pope: How Long Will the Papal Conclave Last?

The papal conclave for the selection of the new Pope to replace Pope Francis can last only a few hours or up to years.

Black Smoke Signals: No Pope is Elected in First Conclave Vote

1 hari lalu

Black Smoke Signals: No Pope is Elected in First Conclave Vote

As the first round of the conclave concluded, a plume of black smoke emerged at 9 pm on Wednesday, signaling no successor had yet been chosen.

Papal Conclave: Vatican Says First Smoke Expected to Rise Wednesday Evening

1 hari lalu

Papal Conclave: Vatican Says First Smoke Expected to Rise Wednesday Evening

The first smoke signal indicating the result of the papal conclave vote will emerge from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on Wednesday night, Vatican time.

Read Entire Article