Vatican, February 8, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesia’s fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, engaged in crucial discussions on global warming with Pope Francis at his residence in the Vatican on Friday. The meeting, which comes as part of ongoing global efforts to address environmental challenges, also highlighted Megawati’s personal invitation from the Pope to speak at the World Leaders Summit on Children’s Rights in Italy.
According to a statement from Megawati’s office, the former president emphasized the importance of Pancasila, the foundational principle of Indonesia’s nationhood, during her conversation with Pope Francis. “The Pope expressed significant interest in Pancasila and its principle of mutual cooperation,” Megawati stated, adding that she elaborated on how these five principles are relevant to all humanity and have global importance.
“During my speech at the summit, I conveyed that Pancasila is not only essential for Indonesians, but it holds universal significance, particularly in its connection to God and human life,” she explained.
The dialogue also focused on pressing global concerns, particularly the alarming issue of global warming. Megawati shared that Pope Francis expressed deep concern over the environmental crisis, particularly the ongoing melting of the North and South Poles. “The Pope is deeply troubled by the melting ice, which is not just melting but breaking into pieces,” she remarked.
Megawati recalled a previous encounter with Pope Francis at the 2024 Zayed Award, where they discussed the issue of global warming. “I asked him why people remain indifferent to this critical issue. He agreed with my concern and gave me a thumbs-up,” she said. She emphasized that the Pope’s passion for this cause extends beyond dialogue, as the Vatican hosts a research center dedicated to studying the Poles.
The visit coincided with Pope Francis’ 2024 apostolic journey to Indonesia, during which he met with President Joko Widodo and other religious and cultural leaders. During his stay, Pope Francis also presided over a grand mass attended by around 87,000 Catholics in Jakarta.
