I Have Great Respect for the Roman Catholic Church

One of the flags of Vatican City in front of Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Mary, the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manado. The flags were installed for a month from 18 May, 2025 to 18 June, 2025 to celebrate the papal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. Glad to know that my city is the seat of a diocese.

You know, I have great respect for the Roman Catholic Church. This church is the main reason why I studied Christianity. I say this as neither a Christian nor a theist okay. The history of the Catholic Church has always fascinated me. Apart from the Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, the church has also contributed greatly to the development of the western world. Of course, there is a lot of their dark history, but so do many other religions, right?

The Catholic Church has acknowledged and apologised many of their past mistakes and wrongdoings, they have reformed and improved themselves to become better. What I support the most is how they are willing to adapt to the modern world. Of course, if they don't want to adapt, they will be swept away by time and this is inevitable. History has proven that many religions have been abandoned or extinct for various reasons including this one.

What is my attitude towards that? I don't want to contribute anything to the development or decline of the Catholic Church. If the Catholic Church or Christianity in general is going to become extinct one day then let it happen. The need for religion is personal and subjective. Back to each adherent of the Catholic Church to maintain their church to be always in existence. Hopefully they will do it in a civilized manner and not be disturbed in its implementation.

I always hope for the goodness and long life of the Pope. The Pope, as head of the Roman Catholic Church, is the leader of more than one billion adherents of this church, that is not a small number, so of course his task is very difficult. As I have written before, I hope the current Pope, Pope Leo XIV, can make the Catholic Church even better.

For my Catholic friends, don't forget the Second Vatican Council. It was a great milestone, not only for Catholics but for all Christians. The impact of this council was enormous, even to this day. It has to be praised and you all shall respect the council decisions. Read the history and teachings of your church, always maintain ecumenism with other Christian groups and religions, and always adapt to the modern world.

Taken on Friday, 6 June, 2025 at 08:38 with Samsung Galaxy A05s at North Wenang Sub-district, Wenang District, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.