The Holy See has chosen an indigenous priest to replace Msgr. Leo Laba Lajar. The new bishop has always supported the national unity of Indonesia. Born in Uwebuta, he felt a vocation to the priesthood from a very young age.
Jayapura () – On October 29, Pope Francis announced the appointment of Father Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You, an indigenous priest from Painai, as the new bishop of the diocese of Jayapura, in the province of Papua, the easternmost territory of Indonesia.
His predecessor, Msgr. Leo Laba Ladjar, is now 78 years old and had repeatedly expressed his hope of retiring after serving as pastor of the diocese for 28 years.
Jayapura has been the scene on many occasions of clashes between the Indonesian Security Forces and the independent indigenous peoples. The Holy See has chosen an indigenous figure, but one who supports the unity of the Indonesian nation.
The Archbishop of Merauke, Mons. Petrus Canisius Mandagi affirmed that it is “a very good decision” because “the new bishop is a figure truly respectful of national sentiment”.
Born in Uwebuta into a Catholic family, from an early age Bishop You made clear his desire to be a priest, when he observed that the children of his village did not have access to the teachings of the Church due to the lack of priests in the region. .
As the eldest son, his parents wanted him to marry, but “I already wanted to be a priest since I was very young,” the new bishop recalled. “I have always wanted to be faithful to my priestly vocation, until my last breath,” he said in 2016. when he celebrated 25 years of priesthood.
Fr. Istata, who has been working in Papua for 11 years, commented: “Msgr. You is a true native priest, widely respected by his brothers, both indigenous and non-indigenous.”
