Delegates gather in Jakarta for the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences 12th Plenary Assembly, receiving a video message from Pope Leo XIV on Eucharistic spirituality and synodal unity as bishops address regional challenges across Asia.
Delegates Arrive in Jakarta for the 12th Plenary Assembly
Cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, and lay delegates from across East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other regions arrived in Jakarta on July 20 for the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. Hundreds of volunteers coordinated airport reception, registration, transportation, and accommodation for the week-long gathering. Teams stationed at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport welcomed participants with identification badges and communication devices before transporting them to the assembly venue and official accommodation at the Mulia Hotel Jakarta.
Photo: Asianews
The arrival process was designed to embody the synodal character of the meeting. Father Frans Kristi Adi Prasetya, secretary of the Local Organizing Committee, explained that welcoming delegates as brothers and sisters was intended to set the tone before formal deliberations began.
“Before delegates enter the meeting hall to reflect together on the challenges facing the Church in Asia, we want them first to experience that they are received as brothers and sisters.”
Father Frans Kristi Adi Prasetya, Local Organizing Committee
Alongside logistical preparations, media personnel tested live-streaming facilities, the liturgy committee finalized Eucharistic celebration arrangements, and communications, medical, hospitality, and technical teams completed final checks before the opening of the assembly.
Pope Leo XIV Sends Video Message on Communion and Eucharistic Spirituality
Pope Leo XIV addressed the assembly in a video message sent on Saturday, offering spiritual closeness and guidance to the bishops and delegates convening from July 20 to 26. The Holy Father referenced the assembly’s chosen theme from the Gospel of John—You will see greater things—noting that Jesus called Philip and Nathanael to follow Him as the unique mediator between God and humanity.
“As His disciples today, we know that Jesus is not only the source of our communion with God, but also with one another.”
Pope Leo XIV's message for Asian bishops' assembly in Jakarta
Pope Leo XIV, via Vaticannews
Recalling his encyclical Magnifica humanitas concerning the safeguarding of the human person during the advancement of artificial intelligence, the Pope emphasized that Christian solidarity originates in the mystery of Christ and emerges from sacramental communion, particularly the Eucharist. He encouraged the participants to foster ecclesial unity rooted in charity.
“I would like to encourage you to continue to promote a Eucharistic spirituality within your local Churches, that is, a spirituality of ecclesial unity grounded in the charity that flows from the gift of our Lord in the Eucharist.”
Pope Leo XIV, via Asianews
The Pontiff expressed hope that strengthening these bonds of communion within and between local Churches would establish the delegates as bridge-builders together throughout Asia.
Pluralism, Geopolitics, and Pastoral Challenges Across Asian Jurisdictions
The high-level gathering brings together representatives from national and joint prelatures spanning Indonesia (KWI), Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (BCMSB), the Philippines (CBCP), India (CBCI), South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Laos-Cambodia, and Central Asia alongside ecclesiastical jurisdictions operating outside national conferences, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Nepal, Mongolia, and Central Asian regions.
Photo: The Jakarta Post
Jakarta’s selection as the host city for the 2026 assembly carries symbolic weight, highlighting a living Church navigating pluralism, interfaith brotherhood, and ecological vulnerability.
Moral Priorities and the Final Document Approval in Jakarta
As delegates prepared to examine and approve their final document and message to the People of God, local leaders emphasized that synodal conversion extends beyond internal Church renewal. During a press conference, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, appeared alongside Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan in the Philippines and FABC Vice-President, and Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, to outline the assembly’s broader social orientation.
Photo: Radio Veritas Asia | RVA
Cardinal Suharyo stated that the call for synodal conversion serves as a moral appeal to political, economic, and social leaders.
Respect for human dignity across Asia
Promotion of the common good and reduction of poverty and inequality
Combating corruption as an obstacle to justice and good governance
Strengthening social solidarity and inclusion
Care for creation in response to environmental degradation
Cardinal David underscored that the mission of the Church is not measured strictly by numerical growth among the faithful. Instead, evangelisation centers on promoting the dignity of every person and contributing to societies founded on justice, solidarity, and peace wherever human rights and the common good are upheld.
