"Many people are intelligent, but few are truly wise," remarked Father Yulius Yasinto, SVD, during a Mass for the healing of Pope Francis at the Embassy of Indonesia to the Holy See, Rome, on February 26.
The Mass, attended by members of IRRIKA (Ikatan Rohaniwan Rohaniwati Indonesia di Kota Abadi) and REHAT (Rekan Harapan Abadi di Tanah Suci), was a reflection of the Indonesian Catholic community’s deep love and gratitude for the pope, who visited Indonesia in September 2024.
In his homily, Father Yasinto, a member of the SVD Generalate Council in Rome, acknowledged the faithful’s concern over Pope Francis’ health but urged them to embrace the reality with wisdom and compassion.
"Hoping that Pope Francis will fully recover and resume all his duties is not realistic," he stated. "It is also not fair to our beloved Holy Father. He deserves a peaceful rest in his old age."
The homily highlighted Pope Francis’ profound influence, emphasizing that when the time comes for him to step away, the world will feel the absence of a strong spiritual and moral compass.
"There are great things that will be lost when this remarkable leader leaves us, "Father Yasinto reflected" He pointed to the pope’s unwavering commitment to creation care (Laudato Si’), his call to holiness in daily life (Gaudete et Exsultate), his vision for universal fraternity (Fratelli Tutti), his emphasis on love as the foundation of life (Dilexit Nos), his promotion of synodality, and his relentless pursuit of peace.
Despite the widespread discussion of these values, Yasinto lamented how few truly live them out.
"Pope Francis is one of the few leaders who speaks of great ideas and lives them," he said. "That is why we are so afraid of losing him."
Reflecting on the First Reading, Father Yasinto emphasized that true wisdom, not just intelligence, defines a meaningful life.
"A shallow life cannot leave a lasting legacy. Pope Francis leaves us a legacy of wisdom, faith, and love—this is why he is deeply cherished, and his possible departure is met with immense sorrow."
As the Mass concluded, Father Yasinto encouraged the faithful not only to pray for Pope Francis' healing but also to pray for themselves and the entire Church.
"Let us pray not only for the Holy Father's health but also for all of us who are anxious about losing him, that we may continue the great mission he has begun."
The Mass was a testament to Pope Francis’ profound impact on the Indonesian Catholic community and a reminder that his legacy of faith and service must continue beyond his lifetime.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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