Ignatius Suharyo from Indonesia never thought that he would be a cardinal. But Pope Francis had plans for him.
CARD. IGNATIUS SUHARYO HARDJOATMODJO
Archbishop of Jakarta
“When I decided to become a priest, I chose to become a diocesan priest in the archdiocese of Semarang in central Java. Now I am in Jakarta. My goal was very simple: I wished to work in the parish, where I could serve the people directly.”
He worked in the parish for only one year though, before being transferred to Semarang, where he became archbishop in 1997. He led the Indonesian Episcopal Conference's Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, an especially important role in the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
CARD. IGNATIUS SUHARYO HARDJOATMODJO
Archbishop of Jakarta
“The national mosque, called Istiqlal, meaning liberty, or freedom, lies just in front of the cathedral Catholic church in Jakarta. The national mosque was intentionally built at this site as a symbol of harmony.”
Then on Sept. 1, 2019, he received an unexpected phone call from the nuncio in Jakarta, telling him that he was going to be a cardinal.
CARD. IGNATIUS SUHARYO HARDJOATMODJO
Archbishop of Jakarta
“I am sure that Pope Francis appointed me a cardinal because he wanted to appreciate the Catholic Church in Indonesia. And not only the Catholic Church of Indonesia, but also our nation.”
In fact, the Vatican has held diplomatic ties with Indonesia since 1946. And two popes have visited the country: Paul VI and John Paul II. Card. Suharyo hopes to continue his role in service of the people.
CT
