Pope Leo XIV and the Hopes of World Peace to Improve, Especially in Papua, Indonesia
Author: Jacob Ereste
Freelance Journalist
It turns out that Robert Prevost, who has now been elected as Pope Leo XIV, is no stranger to the Papuan people. Because in 2023, Pope Leo XIV visited Papua and stayed in a village that could only be reached by small plane, when he was still the highest leader of the Order of Saint Augustine. He enjoyed the night atmosphere in Sorong Regency, Maybrat Regency and Tambrauw Regency which were rarely visited by Indonesian officials in Jakarta. At that time, Robert Prevost stayed in a simple Pastorate in Ayawasi Village and a Pastorate in Senopi Village, as testified by his loyal congregation.
Robert Prevost’s visit at that time coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Order of Saint Augustine in Papua. From his first speech after being elected as Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican, which called for “We must together find a way to become a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges of dialogue that always accepts anyone.
He also likened it to St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican which is open to all for those who need our love, presence, dialogue and love,” he said. Because according to Pope Leo XIV, Catholics must become a Synodal Church, a Church that walks together, a Church that always seeks peace, love and closeness, especially to those who suffer, he said. And the same theme was also carried by Indonesian Catholics in the celebration of the 218th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Jakarta which was held at the Jakarta Cathedral Church, on May 10, 2025.
The hopes of the Papuan people with the election of Pope Leo XIV also bring a bright spot in resolving various problems in Papua related to human rights violations. Therefore, the big dream for the implementation of the Jakarta-Papua dialogue to resolve the Papua problem will soon be realized and open up hope for a new, brighter and more joyful life.
The call of human rights activists and Church circles and academics has indeed struggled many times to call for an immediate dialogue between Jakarta and Papua as an effort to stop the conflict that has not subsided. However, the government and the Papuan people have not found common ground, including in determining the mediator.
The demonstration that was once carried out by Papuan people in Jakarta coincided with Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia. So Pope Francis also spoke about peace and brotherhood. The Coordinator of the Papuan Catholic Youth and Student Front also interpreted the election of Robert Prevost as Pope as a milestone for the Catholic Church to stand tall as a defender of the people, siding with the common people.
The Chairperson of the Merauke Women’s Forest Guard Forum, Emiliana Ugahiwag Gebze also hopes that the presence of Pope Leo XIV will bring change to the Church to understand the people as human beings, because the Pope is not only the leader of the Catholic Church, but also a symbol of peace for humanity on earth, as expressed by Jeeno Alfred Dogomi with great hope.
Jakarta, May 13, 2025
—-
