By Charles Igwe
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has accepted Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur’s request not to be made a cardinal in the upcoming December consistory. The bishop’s decision, which surprised many, was rooted in his desire “to continue growing in priestly life and in service to the Church and the people of God,” according to the Holy See Press Office.
Earlier this month, Pope Francis had named Syukur among the 21 new cardinals to be created at the December 7 consistory. Bishop Syukur, a Franciscan and the Bishop of Bogor, has served in various leadership roles within the Church, both in Indonesia and the broader Asia and Oceania region. He has been the bishop of Bogor, a diocese south of Jakarta, since 2014.
Syukur’s background includes serving as the Franciscan provincial minister of Indonesia from 2001 to 2009, after which he became the general delegate for the Asia and Oceania region, overseeing countries such as India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia. Additionally, he has been an influential figure in the Indonesian bishops’ conference.
Despite his significant roles within the Church, Syukur’s decision to decline the cardinalship highlights his commitment to a humble priestly vocation. As a result, the consistory on December 7 will now include 19 new cardinal-electors. With this change, the total number of cardinal-electors eligible to vote for the next pope will be 140, 110 of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.
On December 8, following the consistory, Pope Francis and the College of Cardinals will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Syukur’s withdrawal underscores his personal choice to prioritize spiritual growth over higher ecclesial office, a decision that reflects the Franciscan values of simplicity and service.
By Charles Igwe
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has accepted Indonesian Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur’s request not to be made a cardinal in the upcoming December consistory. The bishop’s decision, which surprised many, was rooted in his desire “to continue growing in priestly life and in service to the Church and the people of God,” according to the Holy See Press Office.
Earlier this month, Pope Francis had named Syukur among the 21 new cardinals to be created at the December 7 consistory. Bishop Syukur, a Franciscan and the Bishop of Bogor, has served in various leadership roles within the Church, both in Indonesia and the broader Asia and Oceania region. He has been the bishop of Bogor, a diocese south of Jakarta, since 2014.
Syukur’s background includes serving as the Franciscan provincial minister of Indonesia from 2001 to 2009, after which he became the general delegate for the Asia and Oceania region, overseeing countries such as India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia. Additionally, he has been an influential figure in the Indonesian bishops’ conference.
Despite his significant roles within the Church, Syukur’s decision to decline the cardinalship highlights his commitment to a humble priestly vocation. As a result, the consistory on December 7 will now include 19 new cardinal-electors. With this change, the total number of cardinal-electors eligible to vote for the next pope will be 140, 110 of whom were appointed by Pope Francis.
On December 8, following the consistory, Pope Francis and the College of Cardinals will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Syukur’s withdrawal underscores his personal choice to prioritize spiritual growth over higher ecclesial office, a decision that reflects the Franciscan values of simplicity and service.
