Rome. On a day marked by history and symbolism, Pope Leo XIV addressed the Indonesian Catholic community of Rome to celebrate two milestones: the first anniversary of last year's papal visit to Indonesia and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Indonesia.
The speech was pastoral in tone, yet diplomatic in reach. It honored Indonesia's unique model of unity in diversity while delivering a subtle but unmistakable signal to the wider world — particularly to China, where the relationship between faith and state remains deeply fraught.
Seventy-five years of partnership
The Pope recalled how the Holy See quickly recognized Indonesia's independence in 1949, laying the groundwork for decades of friendship rooted in dialogue, respect, and a shared commitment to peace. Those bonds, he stressed, found renewed strength in September 2024, when Pope Francis made his historic journey to Jakarta.
That visit, Leo XIV said, was not only an affirmation of Catholic presence in Indonesia but also a milestone in interfaith cooperation. He pointed to the Istiqlal Declaration, signed by Francis and the Grand Imam of Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque, as a concrete commitment to unity and harmony across religious divides.
The Francis connection
Throughout his address, Pope Leo leaned on the words of his predecessor. He recalled Francis's description of Indonesia's people as a "connective tissue" holding society together through their pursuit of the common good. He also cited Francis's metaphor that nurturing harmony amid diversity is "a delicate craft entrusted to everyone."
By reintroducing these images, Leo XIV underscored a central theme: Indonesia embodies a living model of peaceful coexistence, where Catholic faith enriches national identity rather than challenging it.
The culture of encounter
The Pope praised Indonesian Catholics in Rome for embodying this ethos through practical acts of solidarity — welcoming new migrants, sharing their culture with local parishes, and maintaining close ties with both Christian and non-Christian neighbors.
"These are signs," he said, "of the culture of encounter, which is the foundation of peace and communion." He admitted that the path of dialogue can be demanding, but he insisted that its fruit — peace — is worth the effort.
"Faithful Catholics and proud Indonesians": a phrase that carries weight
The moment that drew the most attention came when Pope Leo declared: "You show that it is possible to be both faithful Catholics and proud Indonesians."
At first glance, the statement was a pastoral word of encouragement — a tribute to Indonesian Catholics who balance their devotion to the Gospel with loyalty to their homeland. But on closer reading, the phrase carries broader significance.
For me , the line doubles as a discreet message aimed eastward, toward Beijing. In China, Catholics are often caught between loyalty to the universal Church and pressure to conform to a state-sanctioned "patriotic" version of Catholicism. The Vatican's provisional agreement with China on episcopal appointments has eased some tensions but left unresolved the deeper question of how faith and patriotism coexist under a government that insists on religious control.
In this context, Leo XIV's words resonate as a gentle yet pointed lesson: Catholic faith and national pride are not mutually exclusive. Being authentically Catholic does not weaken one's patriotism — it strengthens it. By holding up Indonesia as a model, the Pope effectively suggests an alternative path for nations like China, where harmony between religious identity and national identity is still perceived as a contradiction.
Pilgrims of hope, artisans of peace
As he closed his speech, Pope Leo entrusted the Indonesian faithful to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, calling them to remain "pilgrims of hope and artisans of peace." He extended his blessing not only to those present but to the entire Indonesian nation, invoking unity and lasting hope.
The message was clear: the Catholic vocation is not only to preserve faith but to transform it into action — acts of harmony, service, and bridge-building across cultures and religions.
From Rome to Beijing: the global significance
Though addressed to Indonesians, Leo XIV's speech has implications that reach far beyond Rome. By affirming that Catholics can be fully loyal to both their faith and their nation, he highlighted Indonesia's example as a living witness of pluralism and coexistence.
But he also drew a line of contrast. While Jakarta and Rome celebrate 75 years of fruitful relations, Beijing and the Vatican remain locked in a delicate balancing act. The Pope's words may be read as a quiet diplomatic nudge: religious fidelity and civic loyalty do not have to clash. They can, as Indonesia demonstrates, walk hand in hand.
In this sense, Leo XIV's address was both pastoral and geopolitical — rooted in the care of a diaspora community yet carrying an unmistakable global undertone. His message was not confrontational, but it was clear: authentic faith strengthens, not weakens, one's love for country.
Marco Baratto
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