Thousands of Indonesian Catholics Attend Requiem Mass for Pope Francis

April 25, 2025 | 07:13 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Piero Pioppo's car could not leave the parking lot of Jakarta Cathedral. The incident occurred when the Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia finished leading the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis on Thursday night, April 24, 2025.

In the cathedral's parking lot, the black limousine carrying Piero Pioppo was stuck for a few minutes. Around his car, Piero Pioppo was met by dozens of Catholics.

Several embassy cars from various countries unintentionally blocked the exit for the Vatican's representative. The security guards struggled to find a way for the car with the license plate CD 017 01 to quickly escort Piero Pioppo out.

The difficulty of getting the car out was because some of the parking area at Jakarta Cathedral had been transformed into a space for Catholics to attend the Eucharist. Meanwhile, organizers had provided a large tent outside the church to accommodate thousands of people.

The Requiem Mass for the late Pope Francis at Jakarta Cathedral was packed with thousands of people. The number of Catholics in attendance exceeded the organizers' expectations. Security was even forced to close one of the gates to prevent overflowing.

The organizers had prepared two extra areas outside the church, namely the tent and the parking area, to accommodate Catholics who did not get seats inside.

There was hardly any space left in Jakarta Cathedral during the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis. Every corner was filled with Catholics who wanted to pray for the late Pope Francis. Those who did not get seats or mats were willing to stand for hours to attend the requiem mass with Piero Pioppo and the bishops.

The enthusiasm of the Catholics at the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis left the Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia in awe. Piero Pioppo told Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo that Indonesia is a special country.

"When the Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia saw the people sitting on the floor, his spontaneous comment was that Indonesia is indeed different," said Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo at Jakarta Cathedral on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Suharyo stated that the enthusiasm of the Catholics at this Requiem Mass is evidence of their love for Pope Francis. "They were touched to attend. If the Pope had not come (to Indonesia) last September, it might not have been this crowded," said Suharyo.

Diana, 28, came from Tangerang to attend the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at Jakarta Cathedral. Usually, she attends other masses more frequently at her local parish.

She said the Eucharistic procession proceeded solemnly despite being packed with thousands of Catholics. The large number of Catholics from various areas is considered a sign of love for Pope Francis.

Diana said that Jorge Mario Bergoglio's modesty makes her feel spiritually connected. "He is also liberal and loving towards all people. We all love His Holiness Pope Francis," she said at Jakarta Cathedral on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Alfred Toni, 64, came alone from West Jakarta to pray for Pope Francis at the Requiem Mass at Jakarta Cathedral. He did not expect such a large crowd at this Requiem Mass for Pope Francis.

"It's even busier than Easter last week," he said to Tempo at Jakarta Cathedral on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Toni did not get a seat due to the overwhelming crowd attending the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis. According to him, the large number of people coming to this concelebrated mass is evidence that the figure of Pope Francis is admired and loved.

"Pope Francis is a good person. He consistently helps and fights for the common people," he said.

Pope Francis passed away in Casa Santa Marta on April 21, 2025. The man born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, passed away at the age of 88.

Pope Francis was treated at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025. The funeral ceremony for Pope Francis will be held at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Editor's Choice: Jakarta Cathedral Holds Pope Francis' Requiem Mass Today

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