Pope Francis attracted a massive crowd of over 600,000 worshipers in East Timor, a country with a population of approximately 1.3 million. This marked the first papal mass in the intensely Catholic nation since it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002. The pope praised the Timorese people for their strong faith, which is a cornerstone of the national culture, and encouraged them to continue letting their faith guide their principles and decisions. He also commended the nation for its high birthrate and youthful population, expressing a wish for peace and prosperity for the Timorese people and their children.
East Timor is often referred to as the second-most Catholic country in the world, after Vatican City, with over 97% of the population identifying as Catholic. The pope’s visit to the country carried significant importance given the history of violence and persecution faced by activists during the struggle for independence. His arrival marked a recognition of the efforts and sacrifices made by the Timorese people in asserting their independence and maintaining their faith in the face of adversity. Pope Francis’s trip to East Timor is part of his larger apostolic journey across four countries, reflecting the Holy See’s outreach to Catholic communities in regions that are often overlooked by the Catholic leadership.
During the mass, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of faith in guiding individual and collective actions, urging the Timorese people to let their faith inspire their decisions in accordance with the Gospel. He lamented the trend of declining birth rates in many parts of the world and praised East Timor for its high birthrate, encouraging the population to continue having many children and building a peaceful and prosperous future for the nation. The pope’s visit held special significance as it marked a moment of recognition and encouragement for a country that has faced challenges but continues to hold onto its deep-rooted faith.
Pope Francis’s apostolic journey includes visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor, underscoring his commitment to reaching out to Catholic communities in diverse regions. The pope’s efforts to connect with Catholics worldwide, even in countries with small populations or minority Catholic communities, reflect a broader agenda of inclusivity and engagement. His visit to East Timor, a small nation with a predominantly Catholic population, highlighted the importance of faith and community in guiding social and political decisions, as well as the resilience and determination of the Timorese people in upholding their beliefs in the face of challenges.
The pope’s message during the mass in East Timor emphasized the importance of peace, faith, and family values in building a strong and vibrant society. By encouraging the Timorese people to continue having children and nurturing their faith, Pope Francis underscored his commitment to promoting traditional values and beliefs in a rapidly changing world. His visit to East Timor, along with his broader apostolic journey, serves as a reminder of the power of faith and community in shaping individual lives and national cultures, as well as the enduring relevance of the Catholic Church in offering guidance and support to believers around the world.
