Pope Leo XIV and the Crisis in West Papua: A Call for Peace and Dialogue

On the afternoon of May 8, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, signaling the election of a new pope, who would succeed Pope Francis, who had passed away just three weeks earlier on April 21.

The world watched in anticipation as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Leo XIV. 

His election, as the first North American pope, came as a complete surprise, breaking with centuries of Vatican tradition. Especially since, on the eve of the conclave, the 69-year-old prelate from Chicago was not seen as a frontrunner.

However, his extensive missionary work in Peru, along with his leadership roles within the Vatican, including as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, highlighted his broad global perspective and unwavering commitment to the Church’s mission.

Pope Leo XIV belongs to the Order of Saint Augustine, an order renowned for its emphasis on communal life, pastoral ministry, and zeal for evangelizing in challenging environments. 

The Augustinians are also strongly committed to social justice, actively contributing to the Catholic Church’s global efforts to promote peace, dignity, and human rights. This mission extends to regions like West Papua, where a long-standing, often overlooked conflict has persisted since Indonesia’s annexation of the territory in the 1960s.

While serving as Prior General of his Order from 2001 to 2013, Father Robert Prevost visited West Papua multiple times, particularly the dioceses of Manokwari-Sorong and Jayapura.

During these visits, he not only engaged with his fellow Augustinians but also took the time to meet parishioners in remote areas. His genuine care and compassion left a lasting impression on the local faithful, who now joyfully celebrate his election as the supreme leader of the Catholic Church.

As global conflicts escalate with devastating impacts on civilian populations, Pope Leo XIV has distinguished himself as a vocal and unwavering advocate for peace, human dignity, and justice, particularly in regions often overlooked by the international community. 

Pope Leo XIV, who envisions the Catholic Church as a moral sanctuary and a healing force in humanity’s darkest hours, has consistently emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.

The plight of the West Papuan people, whose cries for self-determination and human rights have often gone unheard on the international stage, has not escaped the Holy Father’s attention.

In recent months, the crisis in West Papua has intensified dramatically. Reports from humanitarian groups and local sources indicate that Indonesian military operations in the West Papuan highlands have escalated, with the use of aerial bombardments causing widespread destruction. 

Entire villages have been decimated, and critical infrastructure—including schools, churches, and medical centers—has been obliterated. These attacks have displaced thousands of indigenous Papuans, forcing them into remote jungle areas or makeshift camps where access to food, water, and medical care is severely limited.

The Vatican is reportedly monitoring these developments closely. Pope Leo XIV, deeply troubled by the violence and human suffering, is believed to be exploring avenues for the Holy See to play a more proactive diplomatic role. Vatican officials have quietly expressed the need for an international humanitarian response and a renewed commitment to peacebuilding efforts in the region.

One of the most pressing and long-overdue initiatives is the establishment of a formal dialogue between the Indonesian government and West Papuan representatives—a process that has been stalled for decades. Analysts suggest that under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, the Vatican could serve as a trusted mediator, drawing on the Church’s moral authority and history of diplomacy to help facilitate negotiations.

While no official statement has yet been issued outlining a specific Vatican-led initiative, sources close to the Curia suggest that Pope Leo XIV sees the Jakarta–Papua dialogue as a moral imperative. Such a move would not only elevate international attention to the crisis but also signal a powerful commitment by the Catholic Church to advocate for those who have too often been silenced by war, colonization, and neglect.

As the world looks on, the question remains: will the voice of the Vatican be the catalyst that finally brings meaningful peace to West Papua? Under Pope Leo XIV’s compassionate and justice-driven papacy, that possibility seems more real than ever.

West Papua, a former Dutch colony, declared its independence in 1961. However, Indonesia annexed the territory several years later through a referendum widely considered a sham. Over six decades of Indonesian military occupation, it is estimated that 500,000 West Papuans lost their lives.