What Pope Francis’ teachings on reconciliation signify for Indonesia

Apr 29, 2025

By Justin Wejak
Pope Francis has passed away, but his legacy as a pope of reconciliation and peace will continue to be remembered and celebrated.

The pontiff died on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, due to complications from a stroke and heart failure. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years.

During his papacy, he emphasised the importance of humility, inclusiveness, and social justice. He particularly championed the rights of the marginalized, advocated for environmental stewardship, and pushed for reforms in church governance.

In accordance with his wishes, Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on April 26. His choice of burial site reflects his lifelong dedication to simplicity and his devotion to Mary, the mother of God.

His teachings on reconciliation
Pope Francis taught that reconciliation is a gift from God, grounded in God’s infinite mercy and love. He frequently emphasised that God never grows weary of forgiving humanity and that the sacrament of reconciliation is a unique space where individuals experience this boundless forgiveness.

For Francis, reconciliation with God was about erasing sins and, more importantly, transforming the heart. This new beginning restores a person's dignity and revitalises their relationship with God.

He encouraged believers to come to God with trust and humility, understanding that God's mercy surpasses any sin.

In his broader vision, reconciliation went beyond personal healing to mend relationships within families, communities, and even nations. Pope Francis urged dialogue, understanding, and forgiveness to transcend conflict and division.

He taught that genuine reconciliation requires acknowledging past wrongs, pursuing justice where necessary, and cultivating a spirit of openness towards others. Whether addressing political tensions, religious differences, or social injustices, Francis emphasised that building bridges — not walls — is the Christian response to a fractured world.

Pope Francis viewed the Church as a "field hospital," whose mission was to heal wounds and offer reconciliation to everyone, particularly those who feel excluded or hurt by life. He urged Christians to be instruments of peace and agents of God's mercy in their everyday lives, demonstrating compassion and patience towards others.

For Francis, reconciliation wasn’t a passive or occasional act; it was a daily commitment to live the Gospel by embodying mercy, seeking unity, and offering hope to a broken world.

Indigenous peoples’ forgiveness
Pope Francis made considerable efforts to seek forgiveness from indigenous peoples, particularly for the Catholic Church’s role in the historical injustices they faced.

One of the most notable examples was his 2022 visit to Canada, during which he delivered a formal apology to indigenous communities for the Church’s involvement in running residential schools. These residential schools were part of a government policy aimed at forcibly assimilating indigenous children, causing deep and lasting trauma.

Speaking in Maskwacis, Alberta, before survivors and their families, Francis said he was "deeply sorry" for the ways in which many Christians "supported the colonising mentality of the powers that oppressed the indigenous peoples."

His words were regarded as a significant step toward healing, although many indigenous leaders emphasised that apologies must also lead to meaningful action.

Beyond Canada, Pope Francis continually advocated for greater recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights, traditions, and dignity on a global scale.

During meetings at the Vatican with indigenous delegations from Canada, the Amazon, and other regions, he listened attentively to their stories of suffering and resilience. In these engagements, he not only offered apologies but also conveyed his sorrow for the ongoing marginalization of indigenous communities today.

Francis called on the Church to stand alongside indigenous peoples in safeguarding their cultures, lands, and rights, emphasising that reconciliation must encompass truth, justice, and respect. His actions exemplified his broader teaching that genuine forgiveness necessitates tangible efforts to mend relationships and assist those who have been historically wronged.

What reconciliation signifies for Indonesia
For Indonesia, reconciliation means fostering unity in diversity while healing the wounds inflicted by conflicts, injustice, and inequality.

Francis often discussed reconciliation as a journey that necessitates dialogue, respect for differences, and a commitment to the common good — values that hold great significance for the nation, with its rich tapestry of ethnicities, religions, and cultures.

Pope Francis encouraged Indonesians to see diversity not as a threat but as a gift, promoting fraternity among all people. In the spirit of reconciliation, he urged addressing past harms, including social and religious tensions, with honesty and compassion, and to always seek peaceful solutions grounded in justice and mercy.

Achieving genuine reconciliation in Indonesia must involve caring for the most vulnerable, including indigenous communities, the disadvantaged, and those displaced by conflict or environmental crises. In this context, reconciliation isn’t just about halting violence; it’s about fostering a society where everyone is included and treated with respect.

This vision calls on Indonesians — Catholics and people of all faiths — to unite in healing relationships, safeguarding human rights, and fostering peace. Inspired by Francis’ message, reconciliation in Indonesia transforms into a continual journey of forgiveness, solidarity, and a shared dedication to creating a future characterised by hope and mutual respect.

Numerous real examples of reconciliation in Indonesia encompass interfaith dialogue initiatives, post-conflict healing, and grassroots movements that foster social harmony. Following years of religious violence in regions such as Maluku and Sulawesi, local Catholic, Muslim, and Protestant leaders have come together to rebuild trust through joint community projects and peace agreements, reflecting Francis’ call for dialogue and fraternity.

Additionally, Catholic institutions have participated in peace education initiatives, imparting lessons of tolerance, forgiveness, and open dialogue to young people.

In Papua, where tensions between indigenous peoples and state authorities continue, some within the local Church have championed indigenous rights and dignity, providing platforms for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. These efforts embody Francis' vision of reconciliation as a patient, grassroots process that unites people, promotes justice, and nurtures seeds of lasting peace.

Indeed, environmental advocacy, such as protecting the ancestral lands of indigenous communities in Indonesia and beyond, embodies Pope Francis’ teaching that true peace includes caring for marginalized communities and creation. These actions reflect a commitment to reconciliation as an ongoing dedication to peace, inclusion, and mutual respect, as taught by Francis, a pope of reconciliation.--ucanews.com