A Miracle of Unity and Hope: Pope Francis’ Heart in Asia

Pope Francis’ final international visit to Indonesia, Singapore and Oceania and global engagements carried profound significance. A region embodying unity in diversity. Beyond the visible, a deeper synchronicity emerges between his foundation, Scholas Occurrentes, and “United in Diversity” movement in Asia Pacific - a divine alignment bridging faiths, cultures, and generations.

THE GLOBAL HAPPINESS

PYRAMID AND TRI HITA KARANA

A lifelong advocate of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Pope Francis found resonance in Bali’s Tri Hita Karana Philosophy - Three Ways to Happiness: Harmony among People; Harmony of us with nature; and Harmony with the Divine.

This ancient Balinese wisdom is aligned with the Laudato Si encyclical as well as teachings across Islam, Hinduism, Chinese, Greek and Christianity. The miracle? A perfect chronological alignment of these values into a Happiness Pyramid, uniting humanities shared aspirations

SIGNS AND SYNCHRONICITIES: DOVES, RAINBOWS, AND DIVINE TIMING

In recent years, Pope Francis dispatched his trusted envoys—Bishop Auriel, Jose Maria del Corral, Father Marcin, and Scholas youth leaders—to Indonesia, supporting initiatives like the G20, Tri Hita Karana Forum, and World Water Forum.

The Dove of Pentecost: On the eve of Pentecost Sunday, coinciding with Tumpek Kandeng (Balinese sacred day for animals) and preceding Waisak Day (most sacred day in Buddhism), a dove descended upon a lady during the 10th World Water Forum Blessing Ceremony in Bali—graced by thousands. The following days, the G20 Bali Global Blended Finance Alliance was signed, marking a historic step toward SDG financing.

of Peace” dance

Papal Mangroves: For the first time, mangrove saplings blessed by the Pope for the 2024 Indonesia Sustainability Forum were planted across Indonesia, symbolizing his love for peace and nature. These saplings now thrive near the UAE-Indonesia International Mangrove Research Center, a testament to interfaith ecological unity.

THE TUNNEL OF FRIENDSHIP AND THE “INVISIBLE ROOTS” OF FAITH

In Jakarta, Pope Francis traversed the Tunnel of Friendship opened by Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto, linking the Istiqlal Mosque (largest in Southeast Asia) and the Jakarta Cathedral. There, with Grand Imam Nassarudin, they signed the Istiqlal Declaration, rejecting religious violence and environmental indifference.

Francis kisses the hand of the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, Nasaruddin Umar, during a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque, Thursday, September 5, 2024.