Indonesia mourns Pope Francis, Cardinal Suharyo announces memorials

Faithful across Indonesia gather in prayer and remembrance as the Church marks the passing of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. 

In a press conference held at Graha Pemuda, Jakarta Cathedral Church, on April 21, Cardinal Suharyo announced a series of memorial services and opportunities for the faithful to pay their respects.

The Vatican Embassy in Jakarta opened its doors from April 22 to April 24, allowing visitors to write messages of condolence and share their impressions of Pope Francis in a guest book.

"The Vatican Ambassador will open his embassy so that guests who wish to express their condolences can write down their impressions in the guest book," said Cardinal Suharyo. 

A special memorial Mass is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the Jakarta Cathedral Church. Cardinal Suharyo also encouraged parishes throughout the Archdiocese to hold their requiem Masses in honor of the late Pontiff.​

Regarding the upcoming papal conclave, Cardinal Suharyo noted that the funeral will be held nine days after Pope Francis's death, and the conclave to elect his successor is expected to commence 15 days posthumously. He clarified that only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave. 

Cardinal Suharyo, elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis in 2019, described the late Pope as a "beacon of hope" and a champion of interreligious harmony. 

He emphasized Pope Francis's efforts to foster unity among diverse communities, particularly in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

As Indonesia joins the global Catholic community in mourning, Cardinal Suharyo's leadership ensures that the faithful have avenues to honor and remember Pope Francis's legacy of compassion, humility, and dedication to interfaith dialogue.