Pope Francis at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia (Photo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia)
James Pochury
The 11-day, nearly 33,000 km apostolic journey of Pope Francis to Oceania and Southeast Asia from 2 to 13 September 2024 is not just about a pastoral series of visits but a profound call for dialogue between the Church and Indigenous Peoples.
These travels underscore the critical environmental and spiritual crisis that reveals humanity’s growing disconnect from Creation and its consequences for ecological and moral integrity. Pope Francis’ approach marks a shift from distant authority to a humble, engaged relationship with those embodying deep spiritual wisdom.
In this Season of Creation, inspired by Laudato Si’, the Church faces a crucial choice. Will it embrace the rich knowledge of Indigenous Peoples that advocates for a renewed communion with Creation or will it persist in outdated hierarchical structures, missing the humility and openness Pope Francis advocates?
A truly synodal Church listens, discerns, and journeys together. This transformation requires confronting uncomfortable truths, including the Church’s history of marginalizing Indigenous cultures and wisdom. While Pope Francis’ apologies for past injustices are a beginning, genuine reconciliation demands concrete actions to integrate Indigenous wisdom into the Church’s mission.
Both Indigenous and Christian views regard Creation as a sacred entity rather than a mere resource. This shift from exploitation to reverence reflects Genesis’ affirmation of Creation’s dignity and Christ’s role as the cosmic mediator. The Church’s colonial history has deeply wounded Indigenous communities. Addressing this painful legacy is essential for healing and inclusion.
RAOEN (River above Asia Oceania Ecclesial Network) is an effort that explores how the Church can embrace co-responsibility, integrating Indigenous wisdom in seeking ecological and social justice. For this vision to be realized, the Church needs liturgical and ecclesial renewal in celebrating Creation’s sacredness and decentralizing power to include Indigenous voices in decision-making.
Pope Francis’ call to be a Church of the peripheries challenges us to embrace solidarity with marginalized Indigenous communities. As we celebrate the Season of Creation, let us act with humility, repentance, and a commitment to radical change, recognizing Indigenous wisdom as central to the Church’s mission and the health of our common home.
James Pochury is the RAOEN Regional Coordinator and assists in implementing the RAOEN Biome-Based Synodality project. James can be reached through jamespochury@essc.org.ph or raoen.rc@gmail.com.