TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th Pope and assumes leadership of the Catholic Church worldwide. The Cardinal from the United States has taken the name Pope Leo XIV. He officially succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025.
Known as a close aide to Pope Francis, Pope Leo holds high expectations for his current position, including from the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI).
"I hope that he will continue in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who strongly emphasized human brotherhood, amid a world torn apart by diverse interests," said Gomar Gultom, the Chairperson of the PGI Advisory Council, in his statement on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Gomar hopes Pope Leo XIV will also exemplify Pope Francis' concern for environmental issues that increasingly threaten living beings. "Certainly, if this continues, it will have a positive impact on global civilization, especially in diverse societies like Indonesia."
According to Gomar, Pope Leo XIV's experiences in Peru and South America will provide a strong perspective on issues of poverty and injustice. He believes Pope Leo XIV often showed concern for marginalized groups in society.
Therefore, Gomar is convinced that Pope Leo XIV's pastoral spirit can inspire other churches. "To strive hard to organize this world with a pastoral touch, amidst the current economic warfare," he said.
Gomar sees the election of the new Pope as a momentum to strengthen the commitment to embrace various community groups. "Such as the youth, the poor, and politicians, in diverse ways, by the needs of the times." He hopes Pope Leo XIV's sermons inspire the church to take the same steps.
Pope Leo XIV will assume the papal throne and take possession of the Lateran Basilica, the official cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome. Thomas Kristiatmo, a diocesan priest from the Diocese of Bandung currently undergoing a fellowship at the Vatican, is awaiting the conclave procession at St. Peter's Square. He stated that the inauguration process could take place for about a week after the end of the conclave.
"Usually, there is a series of liturgical ceremonies and various canonical processes to assume power," said Thomas when contacted by Tempo in the early morning of Friday, May 9, 2025, Indonesian time.
Thomas mentioned that St. Peter's Square was still crowded with people after the announcement of the elected Pope. He recounted that people left the square with mixed feelings. "Most are happy, of course," he said.
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the cardinals take turns paying homage and swearing allegiance after the conclave. The elected Pope will then change into the Robe of Tears.
Subsequently, Dominique Mamberti, who is the Proto-Deacon cardinal, will appear on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and make the announcement awaited by the world: "Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!" ("I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!")
Pope Leo XIV will then appear before the people to give his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi. As per tradition, bells will resonate and the people filling St. Peter's Square will welcome the Pope.
Alfitria Nefi P and Mega Putri Mahadewi contributed to the writing of this article
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