Indonesian bishop declines Cardinalate, embraces humble service over Ecclesiastical honor

Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, the 62-year-old Franciscan shepherd of the Diocese of Bogor, Indonesia, has chosen a path that exemplifies his deep commitment to humility and service. 

In a surprising yet profound request, Bishop Syukur asked Pope Francis to forgo his appointment as a cardinal at the upcoming Consistory on December 7, 2024.

Rather than accepting the honor, Bishop Syukur expressed his desire to focus on personal spiritual growth, continuing his priestly journey rooted in the Franciscan ideals of simplicity and dedicated service to God's people, as reported by Vatican News.

Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, announced on Tuesday evening that the bishop’s decision is grounded in his commitment to "further deepening his priestly life," a move that aligns with his long-standing spiritual ethos as a member of the Order of Friars Minor.

This decision means that 20 new cardinals will receive the red hat from Pope Francis instead of 21, but it also highlights a rare moment of ecclesiastical humility that echoes the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order, who famously rejected worldly power and wealth.

Born on May 17, 1962, in Ranggu, Flores, Indonesia, Bishop Syukur has devoted his life to spiritual and pastoral leadership. 

After joining the Franciscan Order and being ordained a priest in 1991, his ministry took him from Papua to Rome, where he studied spirituality at the Antonianum. 

His leadership roles have been marked by a dedication to simplicity and guiding others in spiritual growth, a hallmark of Franciscan life.

From serving as a parish priest in Moanemani to taking on the role of Novice Master in Depok, and later as Provincial Minister of the Franciscans in Indonesia, Bishop Syukur’s career has been one of quiet yet profound service. 

Even during his tenure as General Definitor for Asia and Oceania in Rome, he remained focused on the spiritual well-being of his community.

His appointment as Bishop of Bogor in 2013 reflected his consistent dedication to the Church and its mission. Yet, for Bishop Syukur, the call to deeper spiritual fulfilment outweighs the allure of higher ecclesiastical titles.

Bishop Syukur’s decision to forgo the cardinalate is a rare and striking example of humility, especially in an era where ecclesiastical promotion is often seen as a crowning achievement. 

His choice reflects the core Franciscan principles—living a life of poverty, simplicity, and service to the most vulnerable. This echoes the vision Pope Francis has often emphasized, a Church that is more focused on service than status.

For the people of the Diocese of Bogor and beyond, Bishop Syukur’s decision reminds them that true leadership in the Church is not about titles but about serving others, in line with Christ’s teaching of humility and love. 

By turning down one of the highest honors in the Church, Bishop Syukur reaffirms his commitment to walking the humble path, always serving, always growing spiritually, and always striving to lead by example.

In a world that often values power and recognition, Bishop Syukur’s quiet and profound decision sends a clear message: the true measure of leadership is found in the simplicity of serving others with a pure heart.