Cardinal Suharyo Story Simplicity Pope Francis does not live in the palace

Jakarta –

Archbishop of Jakarta Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo tells the simple life of the people of the highest leader of the Catholic Church and the head of the Vatican Staatspaus Francis. The simplicity, Cardinal said, was later reflected in the hometown in the location of the Pope’s funeral.

“So it’s not only when he is still in the world, but even when he died, he does not want his funeral ceremony to show the splendor,” said Kardinal Suhayo in a press conference in Graha Pemuda, Jakarta Cathedral Church, Monday (21-4/2025).

“Maybe it is good if it is still said that it is not splendid, but great, different. That majesty is exactly what appears in the person of Pope Francis,” he continued.

According to him, Pope Francis was not considered noble, not because of his power, but because of the simplicity. This simplicity is the choice for Pope Francis.

“We all know that he does not live in the papal palace, but lives in Casa Santa Marta. It is a hotel in the Vatican city who lives with Vatican servants who live there,” said Kardinal Suharyo.

That choice, Suharyo said, was not just about a place to live, but something very symbolic. The pope wants to turn the face of the monarchy into a serving church.

“That is really interesting. Because at this time people compete, compete, to seek power, he is exactly the opposite. Do you want to show that the position is not occupied, but on your lap. Various, support and holding positions,” he explained.

“He wants to be known as a service,” he added.

Moreover, Pope Francis, continued Cardinal Suharyo, always chose the side of marginalized people. Cardinal tells the first service of Pope Fransikus outside the Vatican, namely on the coast of South -Italia, exactly on the island of Lampedusa.

“Lampedusa Island is like Galang Island in the 70s here, where refugees moor. From Africa who enters Europe to find a better life,” said Kardinal Suhayo.

“Not all refugees can preach on the island of Lampedusa, many sink in the sea. So if there is going, there is already an option, bias with our Sisters of Refugees, looking for a better life,” he explained.

On the island on the southern point of Italy, the pope held a mass with immigrants who crossed the sea. With a simple altar that only uses damaged boats.

“He celebrated the Eucharist, worship, his altar was a damaged boat used by refugees,” he said.

“It is also the same in the simplest thing, when he celebrates the invited birthday, not the Vatican officials. The invited beggars are those who sleep on the field of Santo Petrus at night,” continued Cardinal Suharyo.

Not only that, the clothing and equipment that was worn by Pope Francis, were very easy for a head of the Vatican. The shoes used by whale are simply ordinary black shoes.

“The whale is that his shoes should be red, but he never used red shoes. His normal shoes he wears,” explains Cardinal Suharyo.

“So from the choices that really determine the life of the church, to personal choices that are very personal, such as shoes, watches, etc., always show coordination with our disadvantaged brothers and sisters,” he added.

Pope Franciscus died on Monday (4/21) at the age of 88 after greeting the people on Easter Day earlier. Pope Francis was treated in the hospital for a month for pneumonia.

(Ond/RFS)