Archbishop Walter Erbì Begins Mission as Holy See’s Representative to Indonesia and ASEAN

Archbishop Walter Erbì has arrived in Jakarta to begin his mission as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), taking up a diplomatic and ecclesial role at a significant moment in relations between the Holy See, Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

Archbishop Erbì arrived in the Indonesian capital on September 2 and was welcomed by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta, and Msgr. Michael Andrew Pawlowicz, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature.

The arrival comes as Indonesia and the Holy See mark 75 years of formal diplomatic relations, giving Archbishop Walter Erbì’s new assignment added significance in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country and one of Asia’s most religiously diverse societies.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Erbì Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and ASEAN on July 1, succeeding Archbishop Piero Pioppo, who was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra.

Born in Turin, Italy, on January 8, 1968, Archbishop Erbì was ordained a priest in 1992 and later earned a doctorate in canon law. He entered the Holy See’s diplomatic service in 2001 and has served in several countries. Before his appointment to Indonesia, he erved as Apostolic Nuncio to Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia from 2022. He was subsequently appointed an archbishop and continued his service in the Holy See’s diplomatic corps.

As Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, Archbishop Erbì will represent the Holy See in relations with the Indonesian government while also serving as a key link between the Vatican and the Catholic Church in Indonesia.

Archbishop Erbì’s responsibilities include maintaining diplomatic relations and promoting cooperation in areas such as peacebuilding, humanitarian concerns and interreligious dialogue. Indonesia’s experience of religious pluralism gives the mission particular significance for the wider Asian Church.

On the ecclesial side, Archbishop Erbì will work closely with the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), bishops and dioceses across the country, facilitating communication between the local Church and the Holy See. His assignment also extends to relations with ASEAN, whose 11 member states encompass some of Asia’s most diverse political, economic, cultural and religious communities.

One of Archbishop Erbì’s first major diplomatic tasks is expected to be the presentation of his Letters of Credence from Pope Leo XIV to the President of Indonesia. He is also scheduled to visit the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.

The relationship between Indonesia and the Holy See predates the establishment of formal diplomatic ties. In 1947, the Holy See appointed Belgian Archbishop Georges de Jonghe d’Ardoye as Apostolic Delegate to Indonesia, during the country’s struggle for independence.

Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1950. The Holy See had earlier offered moral and diplomatic support during Indonesia’s struggle for independence and encouraged a peaceful resolution to the conflict with the Netherlands.

On September 6, Archbishop Walter Erbì celebrated Mass at the chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature and met briefly afterward with members of the local Catholic community.

For the Catholic Church in Asia, Archbishop Erbì’s dual assignment to Indonesia and ASEAN also comes at a time when regional cooperation, religious dialogue and the Church’s contribution to peace and human development remain increasingly important.