Cardinal Gracias Named Papal Envoy for Jakarta Assembly
The gathering is scheduled for July 20–26 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In a formal letter regarding the appointment, the Pope issued a clear directive: the assembly must prioritize human needs and divine guidance. He explicitly rejected the pursuit of metaphorical “Babel towers,” urging the delegates instead to focus on building genuine communion.
A Directive Against Structures of Pride
The Vatican announced the appointment on May 23.
The Pope challenged the delegates to avoid the temptation of building structures of pride, which he compared to the Tower of Babel. He insisted they serve as “builders of communion” and encouraged leadership to “not be afraid to get their hands dirty” with the challenges of the modern era. The Church’s relevance, he noted, depends on its willingness to engage directly with the struggles of the people.
The Vulnerable as Cornerstones
Drawing inspiration from Psalm 85, the Pope outlined a vision where the most vulnerable—the poor, the sick, migrants, and children—are treated as the “cornerstones” of the community. Through this commitment, he argued, the Church can create a “solid and warm common home” where justice and peace can meet.
This message acts as a broader call for the Asian Church to redirect its energy toward the collective social good. By focusing on marginalized groups, the Pope argued, the Church ensures humanity does not lose its inherent beauty and that the world recognizes the place God intends to occupy within the human heart.
Strengthening the Regional Church
Cardinal Gracias was selected following a formal request by Cardinal Filipe Neri António Sebastião do Rosário Ferrão, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman. The appointment is intended to represent the Pope’s pastoral heart and his desire for the Asian Church to flourish in both faith and humanitarian service.
The FABC plenary assembly in Jakarta serves as a critical gathering for the regional Church to discuss its future direction.