Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Paskalis Syukur, Due to Allegations, at Age 63, who had also Declined a Cardinal Appointment

Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur Resigns Amid Allegations in Bogor Diocese

Bishop Paskalis Bruno Syukur of Bogor, Indonesia, has resigned following a period of intense scrutiny and allegations of mismanagement. The 63-year-old prelate, who gained international attention last year for declining an appointment as a cardinal, announced his departure to the diocesan curial council on January 19.

Pope Leo XIV has formally accepted his resignation and appointed Bishop Christophorus Tri Harsono of Purwokerto as the apostolic administrator to oversee the diocese until a permanent successor is named.

The bishop traveled to the Vatican, in early Jan., to explain his case to Pope Leo XIV personally; however, this was apparently rejected (see video)

Roots of the Controversy

The resignation follows a formal Vatican investigation led by Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunyamin, president of the Indonesian bishops’ conference. The probe was triggered by serious allegations brought forward by clergy within the diocese.

In December, two prominent priests—Father Yosep Sirilus Natet and Father Yoseph Kristinus Guntur—published an article accusing Bishop Syukur of several leadership failures, including:

  • Authoritarianism: Accusations of "abuse of power" and a lack of synodality.

  • Financial Mismanagement: Allegations regarding the use of diocesan funds and a potential financial crisis.

  • Controversial Hospital Takeover: The transfer of a hospital from the Franciscan Sisters of Sukabumi to lay management, which critics characterized as an "expulsion" of the religious order.

  • Personal Conduct: Allegations that inappropriate personal relationships were influencing diocesan policy.

The Bishop’s Defense

Bishop Syukur has characterized his resignation as an act of "moral responsibility" rather than an admission of guilt. He maintained that his decisions were made out of love for the Church and a desire to maintain unity.

“I resigned not because I was guilty, but because I love the brotherhood and unity of the church, especially in the Diocese of Bogor,” Syukur stated, adding that he leaves with a "freedom of heart."

Addressing specific charges, the Bishop argued:

  • Hospital Reorganization: He claimed the move was intended to create a "healthier mission" and was not an attack on the sisters.

  • Financial Integrity: He dismissed claims of bankruptcy or personal use of funds as baseless.

  • Handling of Abuse: He asserted that he properly handled past cases of sexual abuse, ensuring perpetrators were imprisoned, and noted that false accusations of "allowing pedophilia" had previously influenced his decision to decline the cardinalate.

Career Reflection

A member of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscan), Bishop Syukur served as the Franciscan provincial of Indonesia twice before being appointed Bishop of Bogor in 2013. He also held the role of secretary general for the Indonesian bishops’ conference from 2021 to 2025.

While Pope Francis named him a cardinal in October 2024, Syukur requested not to be created a cardinal, citing a desire for further priestly growth—though current reports suggest the looming investigation may have played a significant role in that decision.

The Holy See, on Jan. 19, wrote: 

Resignation of the Bishop of Bogor (Indonesia) and appointment of the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Bogor (Indonesia), presented by HE Mons. Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM.

The Holy Father has appointed His Excellency Mgr. Christophorus Tri Harsono, Bishop of Purwokerto, as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the same Diocese.

Sources: https://www.ucanews.com/news/indonesian-bishop-who-renounced-red-hat-resigns-over-conflict/111639

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2026/01/19/0050/00091.html

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