A group of students and their teacher from Villanova Catholic High School in the Indonesian Diocese of Manokwari-Sorong sought Pope Francis’ help in addressing the issues of marginalization in West Papua.
In a video message sent to LiCAS.News, Mr. Riwi Nugroho, a teacher at Villanova Catholic High School in Manokwari town, along with his students, expressed their hope that Pope Francis’ presence in the country would pave the way for dialogue on peace and efforts to combat marginalization.
Nugroho said that in Papua, “there have been no small number of victims” of various conflicts including land rights issues.
“The human and natural resources in Papua are quite abundant. However, what is happening? Many people in Papua are marginalized,” he said, adding that many Papuans “have lost their land.”
He expressed hope that the pontiff “could discuss this with President [Joko Widodo]” and “we request that the Holy Father pays attention to this.”
“May the presence of the Holy Father make us all even more of a blessing to others,” said Nugroho.
He also praised the Catholic Church for actively engaging in interreligious dialogue, which he described as “something that strengthens and promotes tolerance in Indonesia.”
Nugroho lamented the “bloodshed” in Ukraine and Gaza, saying that these conflicts have claimed a significant number of lives.
Upon his arrival on Tuesday, Pope Francis was welcomed by a group of refugees, the elderly, and street people at the Apostolic Nunciature of Indonesia.
The event took place shortly after the Pope arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport following a 13-hour flight from Rome.
The group, organized by the Sant’Egidio Community, included 22 individuals—10 refugees from Somalia and Sri Lanka, three residents of the Santa Anna Home for the Elderly, six street people, and three companions.
At the nunciature, a woman knelt and said, “Pray for Myanmar, pray for Myanmar,” as Pope Francis approached. The pontiff responded, “I will, I will, I will.”
Permanent Deacon Tarsisius Erlip Vitarsa, Coordinator of the Sant’Egidio Community of Indonesia, said the event was a “rare opportunity” for the marginalized and vulnerable people.
“We were all touched, especially our refugee friends,” he said. “It was a blessing because they had a hard time living in Indonesia.”
