Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri presented a painting of the Virgin Mary wearing Kebaya to Pope Francis during a warm meeting at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City on Friday (February 7).
The meeting between Megawati, a prominent Indonesian political figure, and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church drew significant public attention. During their encounter at the Pope’s residence in Vatican City, Megawati handed over a unique painting depicting the Virgin Mary
The painting, measuring 176 cm in height and 120 cm in width, depicting Virgin Mary wearing a white mantilla and a traditional Indonesian red kebaya, symbolizing a blend of spiritual and cultural values.
In a photograph shared from the event, Megawati was seen holding the Pope’s hand as they posed beside the artwork.
Historic Moment
Ahmad Basarah, a senior official of Indonesia’s ruling PDI-P party, who accompanied Megawati, revealed that despite Pope Francis’ health concerns, he made time for the meeting as a mark of respect for Indonesia’s fifth president and daughter of the nation’s founding father, Sukarno.
“Even though the Pope was not in the best of health, he still made time to meet Megawati Soekarnoputri out of respect for Indonesia’s fifth president and the daughter of Indonesia’s founding father, Bung Karno,” Basarah was said, as reported CNN Indonesia.
According to Father Marcin, as cited by Basarah, the occasion marked a historic moment, as it was reportedly the first time Pope Francis received a foreign guest at his private residence.
During the meeting, Megawati conveyed greetings from the Indonesian people, especially from the Catholic community, who hold Pope Francis in high regard.
“Megawati also conveyed greetings from the people of Indonesia, particularly from Catholic Indonesians, who admire Pope Francis and wish to meet him in person,” Basarah said.
Read Also:
Atlas Club Bali Holds Guru Piduka Ceremony to Apologize for Religious Controversy
In addition to Megawati’s painting, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, presented a souvenir, a wayang-themed outfit made from traditional Indonesian batik.
Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the hospitality and gifts from the Indonesian delegation. “He thanked Ibu Megawati and Mbak Puan Maharani,” Basarah said, adding that the Pope also praised Indonesians as ‘beautiful people’.
The meeting between Megawati Soekarnoputri and Pope Francis not only highlighted Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity but also underscored the strong ties between Indonesia and the Vatican.
The warm exchange of gifts and sentiments reflected mutual respect and admiration, further strengthening diplomatic and interfaith relations between the two nations.
(Raidi/Agung)
