BANDUNG Diocese bishop and President of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), Monsignor Antonius Subianto Bunjamin OSC hast left Jakarta last night to Vatican City last night to attend the funeral service of Pope Francis. He left immediately after presiding over a requiem Mass held at Jakarta Cathedral.
“Bishop Antonius, President of KWI, would soon fly to Vatican City tonight. He couldn’t stay longer with us here in Jakarta Cathedral, because he had to rush to the airport and not miss his flight,” said Jakarta Archdiocese’s bishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo during a press conference at the Cathedral on Thursday, 24 April 2025 yesterday early night.
The funeral of Pope Francis is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 26 Aprilat 10:00 AM local time. Monsignor Antonius will officially represent the Catholic Church in Indonesia during the solemn ceremony.
Leave for different mission: Conclave
Cardinal Suharyo will not attend the funeral, but he confirmed he would travel to Vatican City on May 4 to participate in the upcoming conclave. “Many cardinals are already in Rome, and I’ve heard they are holding daily meetings at 9 a.m. to prepare for the conclave,” he explained.
According to Cardinal Suharyo, the conclave will begin no earlier than 15 days after the Pope’s passing, making 6 May the earliest possible date. “The exact date will be determined by the cardinals. It’s possible the conclave could begin on May 6, or later if more preparation time is needed,” he added.
Meanwhile, hundreds of faithful filled Jakarta Cathedral to attend yesterday’s requiem mass, including vocational school students who came to offer prayers for Pope Francis. The overflowing attendance highlighted the deep affection and respect many Indonesians feel toward the late Pontiff.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has decided to dispatc his predecesser former President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono and former Transportation Minister Ignatius Jonan as the nation’s special envoys to the Vatican to attend the funeral on behalf of the Indonesian government.
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