Over half a million East Timorese faithful gathered for a momentous outdoor mass presided over by Pope Francis, marking the first-ever papal visit to the deeply Catholic nation. The Pope's arrival brought a message of hope and encouragement, praising the country's high birthrate and youthful population.
Hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful flocked to Timor this week to witness a historic event: the first-ever papal mass celebrated in the Asian country. Over 600,000 worshipers, nearly half the population of East Timor, gathered for the outdoor mass led by Pope Francis.
Timor's Devout Catholic Community Welcomes Pope Francis in Historic Mass
The country, known as the "second-most Catholic country in the world" after Vatican City, erupted in joy as the pontiff arrived in Dili, marking the first papal visit since independence from Indonesia in 2002.
During the mass, Pope Francis implored the Timorese people to let their faith guide their present and future, stating, "May your faith be your culture, may it inspire principles, projects and choices in conformity with the Gospel."
Timor's Devout Catholic Community Welcomes Pope Francis in Historic Mass
The Pope's presence was a testament to the deep Catholic roots that run through East Timor. Over 97% of the population professes the Catholic faith, making it an integral part of the national identity.
The pontiff's visit also carried significant historical weight. In 1999, Pope St. John Paul II visited the region to support the Catholic population during their struggle for independence from Indonesia.
Timor's Devout Catholic Community Welcomes Pope Francis in Historic Mass
The Pope's arrival brought a message of hope and encouragement. He praised the Timorese people for their high birthrate, averaging nearly seven children per mother, saying, "I wish for you peace, that you keep having many children, and that your smile continues to your children."
Pope Francis's stop in Timor is part of his ongoing apostolic journey across four countries. The pontiff has previously visited Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, with Singapore as his final destination.
Timor's Devout Catholic Community Welcomes Pope Francis in Historic Mass
This 45th apostolic journey of Pope Francis's reign embodies the Holy See's commitment to reaching Catholics in regions traditionally overlooked by the Catholic leadership.
The largest papal mass ever recorded was in Manila in 2015, where an estimated six to seven million worshipers gathered for a mass led by Pope Francis.
Timor's Devout Catholic Community Welcomes Pope Francis in Historic Mass
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of outreach and inclusivity, reaching out to marginalized communities and fostering interreligious dialogue.
The papal visit to Timor is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the transformative impact it can have on a nation. As the country continues on its path of progress and development, the legacy of Pope Francis's visit will undoubtedly inspire and guide its people for generations to come.
