People of Asia-Pacific Find Renewed Hope in Pope Leo XIV’s Election

By Paulinus Prasetyo Nurhardjanto & Laurens Ikinia

Jakarta, May 15, 2025

Catholics across the Asia-Pacific have embraced the election of Pope Leo XIV with joy and hope. They envision him as a leader who will carry forward the compassionate legacy of Pope Francis—listening to marginalised voices, nurturing interfaith understanding, and guiding the Church through pressing social and ecological issues.

The Asia-Pacific region, with nearly 140 million Catholics, stands amid global concerns such as economic disparity, climate vulnerability, and interreligious tensions. Many Catholics believe that Pope Leo XIV will bring a grounded, context-aware leadership that embraces cultural richness and respects minority experiences.

“We desire a Pope who truly comprehends the realities of life in Asia and the Pacific,” said a university student in Jakarta, who chose to remain unnamed. “As Catholics in multicultural societies, we yearn for a leader who connects with our pain and lifts the value of interfaith collaboration.”

Living as Minorities

In many Asian countries, Catholics are religious minorities and often face limitations on worship, societal bias, and at times, harassment. Local Church communities hope that the new pontiff will embolden the faithful to stand firm in their faith, while promoting peace and mutual respect.

In countries like India and Pakistan, Catholics continue to navigate societal pressures from dominant religious groups. In Indonesia, a recent incident saw Catholic youths praying the Novena being disrupted by a group claiming religious majority affiliation.

Although less severe in some areas, concerns over worship safety remain. Catholics hope Pope Leo XIV will build upon Pope Francis’s peace-building legacy and support Catholic laity in their evangelisation and social outreach.

Asia largely consists of non-Christian populations, whereas in Oceania, Christianity dominates. Fostering meaningful dialogue among these faith traditions remains a collective aspiration born from shared human values.

Representation and Synodal Participation

Aside from pastoral initiatives, Catholics are calling for greater inclusion in Church leadership. Certain parts of Asia-Pacific are still unrepresented in the College of Cardinals. The hope is that more leaders from the region will be invited to serve in the Roman Curia.

“Asia and the Pacific should no longer be perceived merely as a mission field,” noted a theologian. “It’s a vibrant contributor to the life of the global Church. We want to help shape its direction, not just follow decisions made from afar.”

Organisations such as the International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs (ICMICA-Pax Romana) in Asia-Pacific encourage Church authorities to open their eyes to the people’s lived challenges and deepen the Church’s grassroots presence. Expanding access to the Church will help more individuals find spiritual refuge.

This call is vital as contemporary issues often come masked in various forms—from toxic media to false ideologies. The Church must remain vigilant and rooted.

Interfaith Engagement and Cultural Identity

The faithful urge the Church to continue honouring local customs and to invest in interfaith bridge-building. In diverse societies across Asia-Pacific, culturally grounded expressions of Catholicism help the Church stay relevant.

Colonial histories have left lasting imprints on the region. Many traditional beliefs were sidelined during that era. Today, Catholic missions are working to respect and uplift local identities.

Liturgical inculturation allows indigenous values to take root in the Church’s life. In doing so, the Church becomes more fully Asian and Pacific—not just geographically, but in spirit.

Environmental Justice and Community Resilience

Asia-Pacific is among the most climate-threatened regions. Catholics there hope the Pope will advance the message of ‘Laudato Si’, promoting ecological justice and confronting exploitative global systems.

“Rising sea levels are a real threat to our homes,” shared a Pacific Island catechist. “We trust Pope Leo XIV to stand with vulnerable communities like ours.”

With deep roots in Peru, Pope Leo XIV is believed to understand the realities faced by marginalised peoples. His advocacy on environmental issues affirms the dignity of those who suffer most from ecological crises.

Indigenous Catholics continue to live in harmony with nature, relying on farming, fishing, and traditional livelihoods. They are the first to feel the effects of a deteriorating climate.

Engaging the Digital Generation

Asia-Pacific’s large youth population is digitally connected but increasingly disconnected from formal religion. Catholics hope the Pope will champion programs that engage youth meaningfully.

Young people, fluent in technology, need to be approached through relevant platforms like social media. The Church can use these channels to share its mission in compelling, relatable ways.

The election of Pope Leo XIV signals a new beginning and a New Chapter for the Global Church. Catholics in Asia-Pacific are ready to offer their perspectives—not just symbolically, but through deep participation and commitment to justice.

We hope that the Church under Pope Leo XIV will support the formation and regeneration of lay leaders, address financial constraints in the development of lay programs, and the importance of paying attention to inclusive movements.

To many, the Pope embodies unity, hope, and courage. In a fragmented world, they long for a shepherd who will guide the Church with compassion and conviction. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, our Holy Father.

 

Paulinus Prasetyo Nurhardjanto is the Vice-President of the International Catholic Movement for Intellectual and Cultural Affairs (ICMICA Pax Romana Asia-Pacific). He is currently living in Jakarta.

Laurens Ikinia is a member of the ICMICA Pax Romana Asia-Pacific. He is currently living in Jakarta.