Pope Francis has cautioned the Indonesian people against plunging into vanity on account of the natural resource wealth that God has blessed their country with.
While meeting bishops, priests, deacons, monks and nuns, seminarians, and catechists at the Jakarta Cathedral on Wednesday, the Vatican sovereign said that Indonesia's abundant biotic and abiotic resources could cause citizens to act arrogantly, if they see the resources through a worldly lens.
However, if the ample resources are seen with an open heart and mind, they could be viewed as a reminder of God, the Pope emphasized.
The leader of the Catholic Church explained the essence of the universe's existence, saying that it is a gift from God to all human beings.
He stressed that every single inch of Indonesia's territory and every single moment in the country are essentially God's blessings.
He then reiterated that God has bestowed His grace on Indonesia by providing the country with plentiful natural resources.
Bearing that in mind, all Indonesian Catholics must continue to steel their faith in God and His graces, the Vatican head said.
He called upon Catholics to understand that they are just tiny little humans living under God's love and mercy and that they must utilize His gifts responsibly and be grateful for them.
The former Buenos Aires Archbishop arrived at the Jakarta Cathedral, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, at 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday to meet with Catholic figures. Thereafter, he greeted young Catholics from Scholas Occurrentes in Senayan.
He will preside over a grand mass tomorrow in Jakarta.
The 87-year-old Pope is visiting Indonesia as part of his Asia-Pacific apostolic journey from September 3–13, 2024. He is the third Holy See leader to visit the country, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.
Pope Francis will be in Indonesia until September 6 and then continue his journey to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
Related news: Pope Francis to visit Indonesia on September 3: Religious Minister
Related news: President Jokowi introduces President-elect Prabowo to Pope Francis
While meeting bishops, priests, deacons, monks and nuns, seminarians, and catechists at the Jakarta Cathedral on Wednesday, the Vatican sovereign said that Indonesia's abundant biotic and abiotic resources could cause citizens to act arrogantly, if they see the resources through a worldly lens.
However, if the ample resources are seen with an open heart and mind, they could be viewed as a reminder of God, the Pope emphasized.
The leader of the Catholic Church explained the essence of the universe's existence, saying that it is a gift from God to all human beings.
He stressed that every single inch of Indonesia's territory and every single moment in the country are essentially God's blessings.
He then reiterated that God has bestowed His grace on Indonesia by providing the country with plentiful natural resources.
Bearing that in mind, all Indonesian Catholics must continue to steel their faith in God and His graces, the Vatican head said.
He called upon Catholics to understand that they are just tiny little humans living under God's love and mercy and that they must utilize His gifts responsibly and be grateful for them.
The former Buenos Aires Archbishop arrived at the Jakarta Cathedral, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, at 4:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday to meet with Catholic figures. Thereafter, he greeted young Catholics from Scholas Occurrentes in Senayan.
He will preside over a grand mass tomorrow in Jakarta.
The 87-year-old Pope is visiting Indonesia as part of his Asia-Pacific apostolic journey from September 3–13, 2024. He is the third Holy See leader to visit the country, following Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.
Pope Francis will be in Indonesia until September 6 and then continue his journey to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
Related news: Pope Francis to visit Indonesia on September 3: Religious Minister
Related news: President Jokowi introduces President-elect Prabowo to Pope Francis
Translator: Sean Filo, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
