March 15, 2013 - In Indonesia, Catholic leaders and civil society organizations said
on Friday that the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis signals
hope that the Vatican will pay closer attention to the needs of the poor throughout
the world, particularly in Indonesia. Archbishop Johannes Maria Trilaksyanta Pujasumarta
of Semarang said the selection of the name Francis, which is reminiscent of St Francis
of Assisi, was symbolically important. “As an individual and also representative
of the Indonesia Bishops’ Conference, I express great joy over the election of Pope
Francis.” Civil society workers have said the simplicity of the new pope’s life
while he served in Buenos Aires was a character trait that could well inspire Catholics
to refocus their faith. “Yesterday I read an article saying that [then] Cardinal
Bergoglio always called on the people of Argentina not to travel to Rome for Easter
or Christmas but rather donate the money they would have spent on travel to the poor,”
she said. “I hope that Pope Francis will help the Church to better reflect its true
mission – to love and serve the poor and suffering.” Maria Yoganista Djou, who works
with the Catholic-affiliated NGO Mitra ImaDei that works with women and minority groups,
said she hoped Pope Francis would help improve respect and opportunities for women.
Meanwhile, Lambert Pekikir, head of the Free Papua Movement, said a new pope who is
perceived to be closer to the poor and disenfranchised could help end injustice in
the country. “As a Catholic who leads the movement, I hope the Holy Father will open
his heart to see the problems in Papua which have persisted for more than 50 years.”