Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian Catholics are praying for the Pope Emeritus and the conclave, called to elect a new pope as head of the universal Church after the resignation of Benedict XVI, on February 28 last. For the future, the faithful are particularly hoping for "the appointment of a new cardinal" who can represent the Catholics of the whole archipelago, after the only cardinal from the local church renounced participation in the conclave for health reasons (see AsiaNews 21 / 02/13 Conclave, Cardinal Darmaatmadja renounces for "health reasons""). Although it is in fact a small minority, only 3% of the total, equalling7 million inhabitants in the most populous Muslim country in the world, the Indonesian Church is alive and attentive to the task of proclamation, interreligious dialogue and support of the poor and sick.
The Archdiocese of Semarang, Central Java Province, has promoted two prayer meetings: the first for Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, the second for the "good" of the universal Church, close to cardinal fathers in their choice of the new bishop of Rome . The faithful have responded in massive numbers to the double appointment, crowding the churches and places of worship.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr. Ignatius Sukawalyana, head of the Liturgical Commission of the Archdiocese confirms the feeling of closeness at this particular historical moment, the hope is that the "the best person" is chosen, who must assume responsibility for the future pontificate.
Many people are also trying to explain to tens of thousands of people - through the internet and social media - the technical aspects of the "vacant see" and "rites of passage" that will lead to the proclamation of the next Pope