Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – The 7th President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), attended as the representative of President Prabowo Subianto at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican. They conveyed Prabowo's message of condolences on the passing of Pope Francis at the Vatican.
Jokowi said, "We deliver a message from Prabowo and all Catholic believers who attended the funeral in the Vatican," in a video posted on his Instagram account @Jokowi quoted on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
According to Jokowi, the death of Pope Francis has caused people to lose a figure who has left a legacy of love for world peace. He also said that people have lost a Pope who has left a legacy of humility and heritage for nations.
"Finally, we all pray that Pope Francis rests in eternal peace and may his soul be accepted in the loving embrace of God. Amen," said Jokowi.
In the video, Jokowi was accompanied by three other presidential envoys. They are the Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai, Deputy Minister of Finance Thomas Dwijandono, and former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan. All four were seen praying in front of the casket of the Pope, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
The Indonesian government representatives attending the funeral of Pope Francis have delivered a personal letter from President Prabowo Subianto to the Vatican. Prabowo wrote this personal letter on April 24, 2025, after receiving news of Pope Francis' passing on April 21. The letter, written in English, was addressed to the Dean of the College of Cardinals of the Holy See, Giovanni Battista Re.
Ignasius Jonan said that the letter was handed over to the Ambassador of the Holy See to the Republic of Indonesia, Archbishop Piero Pioppo, in accordance with diplomatic protocol. Archbishop Piero Pioppo was to forward it to Cardinal Giovanni Re. Jonan mentioned that the Vatican expressed gratitude for President Prabowo's attention.
The content of the letter reveals how deeply Prabowo grieves upon hearing about the death of Pope Francis. Prabowo, on behalf of the people and the government of Indonesia and personally, conveys his deepest condolences to the Holy See and the Catholic community worldwide.
The funeral of Pope Francis took place in the Vatican at 10:00 local time or 15:00 Western Indonesian Time. The highest leader of the Catholic Church passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to this report.