An Indonesian bishop’s decision to decline cardinalship has shocked Catholics in the Muslim-majority country. Source: UCA News.
Pope Francis has accepted the request of Franciscan Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of Bogor, who asked not to be made a cardinal at the upcoming conclave on December 7, Vatican News reported yesterday.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said that Bishop Syukur expressed his wish to continue his personal growth “in service to the Church and the people of God”, a choice that stems from a desire to deepen his priestly life further.
The 68-year-old Syukur, secretary general of the Indonesian bishops’ conference, was one of 21 cardinals announced by the Pope on October 6. His resignation brings the number of cardinals elected to the consistory to 20.
Meanwhile, Holy Cross Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin of Bandung, president of the Indonesian bishops’ conference, said, “The news is shocking”.
“We respect Bishop Paskalis’ decision. He knows what is best for himself, his diocese, and the Church in general. Let’s pray,” said the prelate attending the Synod in Rome.
Indonesian Fr Antonius Purnama Sastrawijaya, superior general of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Family, said, “We are concerned”.
“This news is very shocking. There may be a fundamental reason conveyed by Bishop Paskalis” that the Pope granted his request, he said.
Most Catholics in Indonesia rejoiced at Pope Francis naming Bishop Syukur as a cardinal.
Born on the Catholic-majority island of Flores, he would have been the first cardinal in Indonesia to come from outside Java.
Bishop Syukur did not respond queries about why he refused the red hat.
In a one-line message, he said: “Please pray for me.”
FULL STORY
Indonesian bishop declines cardinalship, surprises his flock (UCA News)
