Tens of thousands of East Timorese gathered at Tacitolu park for a Mass led by Pope Francis, following in the footsteps of St. John Paul II's historic visit during the nation's fight for independence from Indonesia. The park, once a site where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies, is now known as the 'Park of Peace' and features a statue of John Paul II.
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, became an independent state in 2002 after a quarter-century of Indonesian rule that saw significant human rights abuses. Today, the country remains one of the poorest, with 42% of its 1.3 million people living below the poverty line.
Despite economic challenges, the Timorese people are deeply faithful, with 97% of the population being Catholic. They turned out in large numbers to welcome Pope Francis, with hundreds of thousands attending the Mass at Tacitolu park.
During the Mass, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of caring for the most vulnerable, visiting a home for disabled children and meeting with clergy and religious sisters. He praised the role of women in the church and highlighted the dedication of laypeople like Florentino de Jesus Martins, an 89-year-old catechist.
Francis' visit to East Timor aims to encourage the country to strengthen its public institutions and continue progress since independence. The Pope's presence has brought hope and inspiration to the Timorese people, who have faced significant challenges but remain resilient in their faith.
