"The aspirations have already been taken to Rome by bishops from Indonesia who are the Pope`s direct subordinates," he said after attending a discussion of "The Conference of Muslim-Christians Religious Leaders of Asia" here on Tuesday.
He made the statement with regard to his decision to be absent at the conclave to elect a new Pope to replace Pope Benedict XVI who has decided to resign from the papacy due to health and age issues.
The Cardinal said that he had already asked for permission not to attend the conclave due to be held in early March because of health issues.
He said he has sight problems and thought it could affect his participation in the election process.
"There are rules and regulations which I would not be able to meet at the conclave because of my health problems. I offer my apology to the church because I could not represent Indonesia in the conclave," he said.
He meanwhile thanked Pope Benedict XVI for what he had done so far for the church and the world.
Pope Benedict would officially quit as the leader of the Catholics in the world at 8am on February 28.
Cardinal Julius Darmaatmaja is one of a number of cardinals from across the world that would gather for the conclave to elect his replacement.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
