This is extraordinary, from the Vatican Tuesday night:
62-year-old Indonesian Franciscan Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur, who was appointed by Pope Francis on November 21, 2013, after serving as Provincial of the Order of Friars Minor in Indonesia from 2001 to 2009, has asked not to be created a cardinal in the upcoming Consistory.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, on Tuesday evening, said Bishop Syukur expressed his wish to continue his personal growth “in service to the Church and the people of God,” a choice, Matteo Bruni said, that stems from a desire to further deepen his priestly life.
As a result, the number of cardinals to receive the red hat from the Holy Father will be 20 instead of 21.
Paskalis Bruno Syukur was born on May 17, 1962, in Ranggu, in the Diocese of Ruteng, on the Island of Flores, Indonesia. After completing primary school, he attended the Pius X Minor Seminary in Kisol and then pursued philosophical studies at the Driyakara Faculty of Philosophy in Jakarta, and later theological studies at the Faculty of Theology in Yogyakarta.
He made his solemn profession with the Order of Friars Minor on January 22, 1989, and was ordained a priest on February 2, 1991.
Fr. Syukur has held several pastoral and leadership roles throughout his ministry. From 1991 to 1993, he served as a priest in the parish of Moanemani, Diocese of Jayapura (West Papua). From 1993 to 1996, he pursued a Licentiate in Spirituality at the Antonianum in Rome.
Zenit adds:
This decision has sparked interest and admiration within the Catholic world, not only because of its rarity but also because it reflects a profound sense of humility and dedication to spiritual growth—a testament to Bishop Syukur’s Franciscan values…
… Francis has often reminded the Church of the need for a less hierarchical, more servant-oriented clergy, which Syukur’s choice exemplifies. By accepting the bishop’s request, Pope Francis is recognizing the deep spiritual significance of this decision while continuing to champion the values of simplicity and closeness to the people that he has long advocated. Bishop Syukur’s decision to decline the cardinalship will likely resonate with those who see the Church not as an institution of power and prestige but as a community where spiritual leaders, from the highest offices to local parishes, are called to serve first and foremost.
