Pilgrims of Hope: Honouring Pope Francis Through Jakarta's Holy Doors

TheIndonesia.co - The world awoke to sorrow on the morning of April 21th, 2025, with the announcement of Pope Francis’s passing. A beloved spiritual leader known for his humility, compassion, and call for inclusivity, he was laid to rest on April 26th at the Basilica of St. Mary Maggiore in Rome. His funeral marked the beginning of the Novemdiales—nine days of mourning observed by Catholics around the globe.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, the Novemdiales is being solemnly commemorated through Eucharistic celebrations in churches across the city. From the grandeur of Jakarta Cathedral in the city center to the humble yet devout congregation at St. Joseph’s in East Jakarta, I have been walking a path of remembrance and spiritual reflection. Each Mass I’ve attended has been deeply moving—echoing with prayers, hymns, and the collective mourning of the faithful.

But this year, the mourning is intertwined with something more: hope.

This convergence of grief and grace arises from the ongoing celebration of Iubilaeum 2025, or Jubilee 2025—a Holy Year declared by Pope Francis before his death.

Themed Pilgrims of Hope, it marks the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Traditionally held every 25 years, a Jubilee Year is a time of spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and pilgrimage. It is a sacred event rooted in centuries of Catholic tradition, during which the faithful are called to seek forgiveness, healing, and hope.

One of the most iconic symbols of a Jubilee Year is the Porta Sancta—the Holy Door. In Rome, these doors are found in the four major papal basilicas, including St. Peter’s Basilica. They are typically sealed and only opened during Jubilee Years. Walking through them symbolizes the passage from sin to grace, a powerful gesture of repentance and spiritual rebirth.

In an extraordinary gesture of inclusion, Pope Francis encouraged dioceses worldwide to install replicas of the Porta Sancta in their local churches. Across Jakarta, these Holy Doors have become sacred thresholds—physical and spiritual gateways for believers who cannot travel to Rome but still wish to partake in the Jubilee.

Often constructed from stone or cement and adorned with symbolic decorations, some of Jakarta’s churches have chosen to designate their main entrances as Porta Sancta. Others have created smaller, ornate side doors draped in banners or images depicting Pope Francis and the Jubilee’s message.

As I entered each church, the sight of the Holy Door stirred something deeply personal in me. It is not just a ritualistic act; it’s an embodiment of hope. By walking through the door, I, like many others, symbolically leave behind the burdens of the past and open myself to God's mercy and the promise of renewal. In this way, Porta Sancta becomes more than an entrance—it becomes a passage toward peace, healing, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Pope Francis, throughout his papacy, consistently spoke of hope—not as a fleeting feeling, but as a radical act of faith. He challenged us to see the face of Christ in the marginalized, to be stewards of the Earth, and to build bridges, not walls. His Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope, reflects his enduring vision of a world united by compassion, justice, and mercy.

In the midst of mourning, this message resonates even more profoundly. The act of walking through the Holy Doors during this Jubilee—especially in the wake of the Pope's passing—is a way of embodying his legacy. It’s an invitation to continue his mission, to carry his light forward.

Whether you're a lifelong Catholic or someone simply seeking peace, this is a moment to reflect and reconnect. Make your journey through Jakarta’s Holy Doors a soulful pilgrimage. Here is a list of some churches across the city where you can find the Porta Sancta and participate in this sacred observance:

Holy Doors in Jakarta

• Jakarta Cathedral (Gereja Katedral Jakarta)
  Jalan Katedral No. 7B, Jakarta Pusat
  The seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta and a central site for major Catholic celebrations, this neo-gothic cathedral offers a solemn, majestic atmosphere for reflection and prayer.
• St. Theresia Church (Gereja Santa Theresia)
  Jalan Gereja Theresia No. 2, Menteng, Jakarta Pusat
  Located in the heart of the city, this church provides an intimate setting for Jubilee prayers and Eucharistic celebrations.
• Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (Gereja Hati Kudus Yesus)
  Jalan Kramat Raya No. 134, Kramat, Jakarta Pusat
  Known for its vibrant community, the church invites all to walk through its Holy Door as a sign of spiritual renewal.
• Stella Maris Church
  Jalan Taman Pluit Permai Timur No. 17, Pluit, Jakarta Utara
  Located in North Jakarta, Stella Maris offers a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking solace and prayerful meditation.
• Regina Caeli Church
  Jalan Mediterania Boulevard No. 1, Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara
  A relatively newer church, Regina Caeli’s vibrant parish life and beautifully decorated Holy Door make it a notable stop for pilgrims.
• The Holy Family Church (Gereja Keluarga Kudus)
  Jalan Balai Pustaka Baru No. 6, Rawamangun, Jakarta Timur
  A family-oriented church fostering deep community ties, it's a welcoming space to reflect during the Jubilee.
• St. John the Evangelist Church (Gereja Santo Yohanes Penginjil)
  Jalan Melawai Raya No. 197, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
  A hub for young professionals and students, this church integrates traditional liturgy with a vibrant modern spirit.
• St. Francis of Assisi Church
  Jalan KH Ramli No. 24, Tebet, Jakarta Selatan
  A church named after the Pope's namesake, it offers a special connection to Pope Francis’s legacy of humility and love for the poor.

As I continue my journey through these sacred spaces, I carry with me both sorrow and hope. The sorrow of losing a beloved spiritual father, and the hope he left us with—a hope that lives on through the Porta Sancta, through the Jubilee, and in the quiet prayers whispered by thousands of pilgrims just like me.

In walking through Jakarta’s Holy Doors, we are not just remembering Pope Francis—we are continuing his pilgrimage. We are stepping forward, not alone, but together, as pilgrims of hope.