Pope Francis’ Historic Visit to Timor-Leste: A Journey of Healing and Unity

Pope Francis’ Warm Welcome in Timor-Leste

Pope Francis received an enthusiastic reception from the people of Timor-Leste on Monday as he touched down to support the nation’s healing journey following a tumultuous struggle for independence and to honor two decades of freedom from Indonesian rule. The pontiff arrived in Dili after his visit to Papua New Guinea, marking the third stop on his extensive journey through Asia and Oceania.

At the airport, he was greeted by President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, both of whom are revered figures in the country’s fight for independence. Following their warm welcome, a private meeting was held to discuss matters of national importance.

Later in the day, Pope Francis is scheduled to address an assembly of government officials and diplomats, following a formal welcome ceremony that is expected to highlight the significance of his visit to the young nation.

Timor-Leste, predominantly a Catholic nation and one of the poorest countries globally, has been eagerly anticipating Pope Francis’ visit, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the UN-backed referendum that paved the way for its independence from Indonesia. Estevão Tei Fernandes, a professor at a local university, expressed the hopes of many, stating, “Our great hope is that he may come to consolidate the fraternity, the national unity, peace, and development for this new country.”

The mood today contrasts sharply with the atmosphere surrounding the last papal visit in 1989 by St. John Paul II, when Timor-Leste was still under the heavy hand of Indonesian occupation. Following a referendum for independence, Indonesia’s military responded with a devastating scorched-earth campaign that obliterated 80% of the nation’s infrastructure and resulted in the tragic loss of as many as 200,000 lives.

When Indonesia invaded in 1975, only about 20% of Timor-Leste’s population identified as Catholic. Today, however, approximately 98% of its 1.3 million citizens are devoted members of the Catholic Church, making it the most Catholic nation outside of the Vatican.

On Tuesday, the pope is set to celebrate this rich Catholic heritage with a grand seaside Mass near Dili, an event that local authorities anticipate will draw a staggering crowd of around 700,000 attendees.

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