Vatican's silence, God's silence?

The Vatican is a major religious institution on the international stage. What's most interesting, the Vatican is a state like none other.

Vatican's voice matters

Unlike other nations that prioritize their own interests, the Holy See defends not only Catholics but also all humanity, based on the universal values. Although only an observer at the UN, Vatican's voice matters. This is a voice of conscience for the world.

In addition to defending human dignity and religious freedom, the Vatican also promotes world peace. This can be seen from the Pope's active role in mediating a number of conflicts. Most recently, the Russia-Ukraine war and then Israel-Palestine war. 

West Papua off the Vatican's radar?

In his recent address to diplomats on January 8, Pope Francis reviewed the world situation and re-emphasized the importance of peace. Whether in audiences or angelus prayers, the Pope never forget to mention all the conflicts in the world. Yes, indeed, all but one region in the Pacific, namely West Papua. It's strange considering this is one of the longest-running conflicts that has been going on for more than 60 years. Why is that?

Did the Vatican know about the forcible annexation of this majority Christian country by Indonesia, made possible by an international conspiracy under the New York Agreement of 1962 and the sham referendum called the Act of Free Choice of 1969? Did the Pope do anything to prevent the silent slaughter of hundreds of thousands of indigenous West Papuans?

Vatican aware of West Papua tragedy 

Given that the Vatican is the country that has the best information agents, there is no reason for it to feign ignorance. 

Several Dutch missionary bishops serving in West Papua, such as Msgr Rudolf Staverman and Msgr Herman Munninghoff reported on the exactions of the Indonesian army against the local indigenous people. Moreover in 2018, Franciscans International submitted a report on the West Papua humanitarian tragedy to Pope Francis. 

Therefore, it is certain that the Vatican knows what is happening in West Papua, but chooses to remain silent.

Vatican's silence, God's silence?

Wanting to understand the omerta of the top Catholic hierarchy on the West Papua issue, I sought the answer from someone with considerable knowledge of the Vatican. The response I got can probably be summarized as follows:  

• The Vatican is very patient and careful in its diplomacy. 
• The Pope does not want to be squeezed into a conflict, let alone locked up in a political prison. 
• If we want to understand how the Holy See works, we have to put ourself in the time of the Holy See, which is the time of God.

The three points above are none other than the principles formulated by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, former Secretary of the Vatican State under Pope John Paul II. This policy of extreme caution is still applied today. 

However, as wise as this may sound, it seems to me to go against the teachings of Christ in the Gospels, especially on how a good shepherd should risk his life to save his sheep, and also on how Christ's disciples should dare to oppose evil rulers, albeit not with weapons and violence.

Pope must speak out for West Papua 

Today indigenous West Papuans are on the verge of extinction, making up no more than 40 percent of the population in West Papua. They are marginalized every day, becoming strangers in their own country.  A century ago, their ancestors welcomed missionaries and gave themselves to be baptized, all was well. Now at a time of danger, many of them ask where is the Church? Where are their Shepherds? Who is there to help? 

Amidst threats of genocide and ecocide, the people of West Papua long for a prophetic voice from Church leaders, especially the Pope as Vicar of Christ. When God's people are persecuted, it is incumbent upon the Church to stand up and speak out. No! The Vatican's silence is not God's silence. Jesus does not teach us to remain silent on evil and injustice. To quote Matthew 10:27: "What I say to you in darkness, say in broad daylight; what is whispered in your ears, proclaim from the housetops."

Intan Jaya: Papuans taking refuge in a presbytery due to Indonesian Military Operation (Sunday, January 21, 2024).