Ini Alasan Mgr Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, Mundur dari Pencalonan sebagai Kardinal

Shocking! This is the right word to respond to the Vatican's announcement announcing the resignation of Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, from the cardinal candidacy. The Vatican's official news agency, Vatican News, reported on October 22 that Pope Francis had accepted the Bishop of Bogor's request not to participate in the consistory, or assembly, and the installation of 21 new cardinals on December 7, 2024, in Rome. The Director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, implicitly explained the reason for Bishop Paskalis' resignation. Bruni stated that Bishop Paskalis expressed a desire to continue his personal growth "in service to the Church and the people of God. This is a choice stemming from a desire to further deepen his priestly life." Meanwhile, the President of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), Bishop Antonius Subianto, OSC, who was attending a synod in Rome with Bishop Adrianus Sunarko, OFM, Bishop of Pangkal Pinang, said the news from Bishop Paskalis was truly surprising. However, Bishop Anton added, "We respect Bishop Paskalis' decision. Bishop Paskalis surely knows what's best for himself, for his diocese, and for the Church at large. Let's pray for him!" Bishop Anton added, "Only Bishop Paskalis himself can explain best." Father Agustinus Purnama Sastrawijaya, MSF, who lives in Rome, expressed a similar sentiment. "This news is very surprising. Perhaps Bishop Paskalis had a fundamental reason," he said, prompting the Pope to grant his request. Many people have been asking about Bishop Paskalis' resignation on social media. Many are investigating. Some have offered various assumptions, but none of them can be substantiated. We agree that this resignation has a strong reason. It is certainly the result of careful consideration, following a series of prayers and personal conversations with God. Therefore, let us support his decision. We wish Bishop Paskalis the best. The elevation of a cardinal is the prerogative of the Pope. Therefore, only the Pope has the authority to reverse an elevation, for example, at the request of a cardinal candidate, such as Bishop Paskalis. The Pope can also reject a resignation, dismiss, or remove a cardinal from office, for specific reasons. This is not the first time a cardinal candidate has requested not to be elevated. Two years ago, Pope Francis accepted the request of Belgian Bishop Lucas Van Looy not to be elevated to the cardinal rank. According to Vatican News, Bishop Lucas's request came after the announcement of his elevation sparked criticism for not reacting quickly and decisively to allegations of sexual abuse within his diocese. At the time, Cardinal Jozef De Kesel, President of the Belgian Bishops' Conference, and all the bishops in Belgium "respected Bishop Van Looy's decision." Currently, the Roman Catholic Church has 235 cardinals. Of these, 122 are cardinal electors (cardinals who have the right to vote and are elected during the conclave, as they are under 80 years of age). The number of cardinals should increase to 256 after December 7, 2024, as the appointment of 21 new cardinals, including Bishop Paskalis, was announced on October 6. The question then arises: will Pope Francis choose a new cardinal candidate from Indonesia to replace Bishop Paskalis? Let's wait and pray. (*) #catholic #signofrahmat (catholicchanel) #vatican #catholicchurch #katolikindonesia #OFMindonesia #keuskupanbogor #kwi #konferensiwaligerejaindonesia #imankatolik