‘He left an indelible impression’: Catholics across Asia-Pacific mourn the Pope

Pope Francis gestures on the day of the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, 10 September, 2024. Photograph: Willy Kurniawan/Reuters

The death of Pope Francis has left millions of people in south-east Asia and the Pacific in deep mourning, as they remember a Catholic leader known for his humility, interfaith commitment and dedication to their region.

In tiny Timor-Leste, where more than 95% of people are Catholic, Francis was the first pope to visit since its independence.