Indonesian Bishop Declines Cardinal Appointment

Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of Bogor, Indonesia, has declined the honor of being made a cardinal, a rare decision accepted by Pope Francis. The bishop, who was originally among 21 nominees for the December 7, 2024 consistory, cited his desire to focus on his priestly life and service to the Church as the motivation for his request. This decision has garnered attention for its humility, reflecting the Franciscan values Syukur embodies. The move has also raised questions regarding its potential impact on the dynamics within Indonesia's episcopate. While the reasons behind his rejection are not entirely clear, they may relate to internal conflicts or past controversies. With this change, the number of new cardinals will now be 20, further emphasizing the significance of Syukur's choice.