Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Catholics across Indonesia will hold Requiem Mass this week to pray for the soul of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21.
The global Catholic community is mourning the death of the spiritual leader, remembered for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized.
Archbishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), announced the Requiem Masses during a press conference at the KWI office in Central Jakarta on Monday.
“We usually hold what is called a Requiem Mass, a liturgy offered to pray for the soul of the departed,” he said.
As part of the national observance, several regions in Indonesia will host Requiem Masses to honor Pope Francis and pray for his eternal rest. In the capital, a solemn Mass will take place at Jakarta Cathedral on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. local time.
The service will be led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, Archbishop Piero Pioppo, alongside Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo and KWI Chairman Archbishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin.
“The Requiem Mass will be held Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral,” said Cardinal Suharyo at a joint press briefing at the Cathedral.
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Rev. Hani Rudi Hartoko, Rector of Jakarta Cathedral, confirmed the Mass is open to the public with no registration required. The church will accommodate up to 2,500 attendees.
The service will be held in a simple manner, in keeping with Pope Francis’ known preference for humility and closeness to the people.
Father Hani emphasized that there would be no elaborate liturgical elements, reflecting the Pope’s wish to be remembered not as a towering figure but as a shepherd who walked with his flock.
A Prayer and Hope
The Requiem Mass, also known as a Misa Arwah in Indonesian, is a Catholic liturgy dedicated to the souls of the deceased. The term “Requiem” comes from the Latin phrase Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, meaning “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.”
While its structure mirrors the daily Mass, the Requiem Mass features unique elements that underscore both mourning and hope for eternal life. During the Mass, prayers are offered asking that the departed be granted peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Jakarta Cathedral Requiem Mass is expected to draw thousands of Catholics seeking to come together in prayer and reflection in memory of Pope Francis.
(Raidi/Agung)
