Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur, the Bishop of Bogor, recently made an unexpected and deeply reflective decision that has reverberated within the Catholic Church in Indonesia and beyond.
Although Pope Francis had announced his intention to elevate Bishop Syukur to the College of Cardinals in late 2024, Syukur respectfully declined the honor, a choice that prevented him from becoming only the fourth Indonesian in history to hold the prestigious title.
His decision, rooted in spiritual and pastoral priorities, offers a rare insight into the inner callings and values at the heart of his ministry.
A Historic Nomination
In October 2024, Pope Francis publicly announced that Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, would be among a group of 21 new cardinals to be created at a consistory scheduled for December of that year.
His inclusion on the list was met with excitement among many Indonesian Catholics, as it signaled a potential expansion of Indonesian representation within the highest ranks of the Catholic hierarchy.
Should Syukur have accepted, he would have joined an esteemed line of Indonesian cardinals, becoming the fourth in the nation’s history to do so and reinforcing Indonesia’s growing presence in the global Church.
The appointment of cardinals is a deeply significant event in the Catholic Church. Cardinals hold key roles as senior advisors to the Pope, and those under the age of eighty also serve as electors in papal conclaves, where future popes are chosen.
For many bishops, being named a cardinal represents a culmination of years of dedicated service and leadership. This nomination is even more impressive considering Indonesia is a country with only 3% of the population being Catholics.
Syukur’s nomination followed his service as Bishop of Bogor since 2014 and his role as Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia since 2022, marking him as a respected figure in both Indonesian and international Catholic circles.
Deciding Against Elevation
Despite the honor and historical significance of the nomination, Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur requested that Pope Francis allow him to decline the cardinalate, and the Pope accepted his request.
Official announcements from the Vatican Press Office confirmed that his wish not to be created a cardinal was granted.
This development meant that the planned consistory would proceed with one fewer new cardinal, and Indonesia would remain with its current number of cardinals rather than seeing an increase to four.
According to statements released by the Holy See, Syukur’s reasons for declining centered on his desire to focus on deepening his priestly life and strengthening his service to the Church and the People of God.
Rather than taking on additional roles and responsibilities that come with the cardinalate—often involving greater administrative burdens and a more visible presence in global church governance—he expressed a preference for continued pastoral and spiritual growth.
His decision reflects a conscious choice to prioritize his existing commitments and personal vocation over ecclesiastical prestige.
Reactions
The news of Syukur’s refusal came as a surprise to many within the Indonesian Church. Leaders and lay faithful alike reacted with a mix of respect and astonishment.
Some church officials voiced their understanding of the bishop’s motivations, while others acknowledged the rarity of such a choice.
In a broader perspective, his decision has sparked conversations about the nature of ecclesiastical honors and the role of humility in religious leadership.
Rather than seeing the cardinalate as a crowning achievement, Syukur’s stance underscores the ongoing vocation of service that begins with ordination and continues through every chapter of ministry.
This decision also had practical implications within the larger context of the global Church. The total number of new cardinals at the planned consistory decreased by one due to Syukur’s refusal, highlighting how individual choices can influence institutional developments.
In Indonesia, the cardinalate remains a symbolically powerful link between local Church life and the universal Catholic community, his refusal does not diminish the respect and gratitude many feel for his service, even as it alters the narrative of Indonesian representation in Rome.
Legacy and Reflection
Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur’s choice to decline elevation to the College of Cardinals is a testament to his personal sense of vocation and dedication to pastoral life.
At a time when ecclesiastical honors are often seen as signs of achievement, his decision invites reflection on the deeper purposes of priesthood and leadership.
By prioritizing his ongoing commitment to shepherding his flock and nurturing his spiritual growth, Syukur has offered a powerful example of humility and intentionality.
While he will not make history as the fourth Indonesian cardinal, his legacy may be defined by something even more profound: an unwavering focus on service grounded in faith.
