A Wave of Joy in West Papua: Pope Francis Appoints First Native Bishop of Timika!

On March 8, 2025, history was made in West Papua! 

Pope Francis appointed Father Bernard Baru, a proud native West Papuan and devoted Augustinian priest, as the new Bishop of Timika—a bold and long-awaited move that sent waves of hope and celebration through the Papuan Catholic community.

After nearly six years of vacancy following the sudden passing of Bishop John Philip Saklil, the diocese of Timika finally has a new shepherd—and one of its own! 

This appointment is more than symbolic: it's a powerful declaration from the Vatican, signaling its commitment to "Papuanizing" a Church that has, for decades, been dominated by outsiders since the forced annexation of the territory by Indonesia in the 1960s.

Timika, nestled in the heart of West Papua, is not only a spiritual center but also a hub for social justice and indigenous resistance. Father Baru, known for his strong engagement in cultural preservation and environmental protection, is a natural leader for this vibrant and resilient community. His appointment was greeted with enthusiastic applause by the faithful, who see in him a true voice of the people.

"We congratulate the Holy Father on this courageous decision and hope he will speed up the nomination process for the other two West Papuan dioceses whose Indonesian bishops will soon retire," declared Wim Anemeke, a passionate West Papuan Catholic layman.

For Markus Haluk, Secretary of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), this is more than just a clerical change—it's a breakthrough in the long-standing relationship between West Papua and the Vatican.

The ULMWP has quietly nurtured ties with the Holy See since 2017, when the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace opened its doors to informal engagement. That same year, at ULMWP’s request, Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai personally handed a message to Pope Francis during a private Vatican audience, sharing the truth of West Papua’s suffering.

Now, eight years later, the appointment of Bishop Bernard Baru marks a concrete response—a gesture of solidarity, dignity, and recognition. It’s not just a Church matter—it’s a sign of faith in justice for a people long silenced.

West Papua has spoken. The Vatican has listened. And the world should pay attention.