Pope Francis Visits East Timor Historic Mass Draws Half the Nations Population

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Pope Francis visits East Timor for a historic Mass expected to draw more than half the nation’s population. The pontiff’s visit highlights East Timor’s deep Catholic faith, while also addressing economic challenges and recent abuse scandals.

Pope Francis Visits East Timor Historic Mass Draws Half the Nations Population

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Pope Francis Visits East Timor for Historic Mass: Half the Population Expected to Attend

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, arrived in East Timor on Monday for a three-day visit, marking a historic moment for the tiny Southeast Asian nation. East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of only two majority-Catholic countries in Asia, with around 96% of its population adhering to the faith. This visit by the 87-year-old pontiff is highly anticipated, as it is only the second time a pope has visited the country. The Vatican estimates that more than half of East Timor’s population of 1.3 million could attend an open-air Mass led by Francis, in what is expected to be one of the largest gatherings in the nation’s history.

The Importance of Pope Francis’ Visit to East Timor

Pope Francis is on a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region, his longest international trip to date. East Timor, a half-island nation located just north of Australia, gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a long and violent occupation. The country’s history is intertwined with its Catholic faith, making the pope’s visit both a religious and symbolic occasion.

Upon his arrival in Dili, East Timor’s capital, Pope Francis was greeted with a warm welcome by the nation’s president, Jose Manuel Ramos-Horta, and two young women dressed in traditional attire. The women offered the pontiff flowers and a “tais,” a ceremonial woven scarf, which he briefly wore in a show of respect for local customs. The streets surrounding the airport were filled with tens of thousands of Timorese, who used umbrellas in the Vatican’s colors of white and yellow to shield themselves from the 31-degree Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) heat.

East Timor’s deep Catholic roots stem from its colonization by Portugal, which lasted until 1975. Since then, the country has developed a strong connection to the Vatican, and Catholicism plays a central role in the nation’s identity. Pope Francis’ visit is especially significant as it follows the historic visit by Pope John Paul II in 1989, which is widely seen as having given a morale boost to East Timor’s independence movement during its occupation by Indonesia.

A Nation of Resilience: Addressing East Timor’s Struggles

Pope Francis’ visit comes at a critical time for East Timor, which has made significant strides in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure but still faces enormous challenges. In his speech to about 400 politicians, diplomats, and civic leaders, Francis acknowledged the hardships that the Timorese people have endured over the past decades. He praised the resilience of the nation, saying, “We give thanks to God, since you never lost hope … and after dark and difficult days, a dawn of peace and freedom has finally arrived.”

President Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who played a key role in East Timor’s fight for independence, expressed gratitude for the pope’s visit. He referred to Pope Francis’ voice as “so necessary in an increasingly disfigured world in which the coldness of hearts has replaced dialogue and peace.” This statement reflects the global relevance of the pope’s messages on peace and reconciliation, especially for nations recovering from conflict.

Despite its independence, East Timor remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. According to the Asian Development Bank, nearly 30% of employed Timorese earn less than $2.15 per day, and the World Bank has reported that 47% of children in the country are stunted due to malnutrition. Pope Francis, who is known for his focus on economic inequality and social justice, emphasized the need for “collective and wide-ranging action” to address these challenges during his speech.

The Mass at Tasitolu: A Moment of Unity for the Timorese People

The pinnacle of Pope Francis’ visit is the open-air Mass scheduled for Tuesday at Tasitolu, a wide coastal area where Indonesian forces once buried Timorese independence fighters. The site holds deep historical significance for the Timorese, and the Vatican has estimated that as many as 750,000 people could attend the Mass. This would be a remarkable gathering, considering East Timor’s total population of 1.3 million.

For many Timorese, the Mass represents more than just a religious celebration; it is a moment of national unity and reflection on the country’s journey from occupation to independence. East Timor’s Catholic faith has been a source of strength and identity throughout its turbulent history, and Pope Francis’ presence reinforces the close ties between the country and the Vatican.

Addressing the Shadow of Abuse Scandals

While Pope Francis’ visit is a time of celebration for East Timor, it is also overshadowed by recent abuse scandals involving Catholic clergy in the country. In 2022, the Vatican confirmed it had sanctioned Timorese Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo following allegations that he sexually abused boys in the 1990s. Belo, who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Ramos-Horta for his efforts in East Timor’s independence movement, now lives in Portugal and has accepted restrictions on his movements and ministry.

Additionally, an American priest, Richard Daschbach, was defrocked and sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2021 for sexually abusing girls under his care in Timor. These cases have brought significant attention to the issue of abuse within the Catholic Church in East Timor.

A leading advocacy group for abuse survivors, BishopAccountability.org, called on Pope Francis to directly address these scandals during his visit. Anne Barrett Doyle, a representative of the group, urged the pope to denounce both men by name, stating that his words “could have an enormous positive impact.” While Pope Francis did not specifically name Belo or Daschbach in his remarks, he did acknowledge the broader issue of abuse, saying, “We are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people.”

This delicate issue highlights the complexity of the Catholic Church’s role in East Timor, where the faith remains deeply ingrained despite the recent controversies. Pope Francis’ approach to addressing these scandals, while not direct, signals his ongoing commitment to tackling abuse within the Church on a global scale.

A Historic Visit with Global Implications

Pope Francis’ visit to East Timor is part of a larger tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which also included stops in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. In Papua New Guinea, Francis visited a remote town on the edge of a vast jungle and delivered medical supplies to one of the most isolated areas of the world. This humanitarian effort aligns with the pope’s broader mission to bring attention to marginalized communities and promote global solidarity.

After concluding his visit to East Timor, Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to Singapore before returning to Rome on September 13. His tour, which spans 12 days, demonstrates the pontiff’s commitment to reaching out to diverse and often overlooked regions of the world. The Asia-Pacific region, with its complex mix of cultures, religions, and economic challenges, offers an important backdrop for Francis’ messages of peace, reconciliation, and social justice.

Conclusion

Pope Francis’ visit to East Timor is a landmark event for the predominantly Catholic nation, with half the population expected to attend his Mass at Tasitolu. The pontiff’s presence reinforces the deep bond between East Timor and the Vatican, while also addressing critical issues such as poverty, malnutrition, and the need for peace and reconciliation.

While his visit is overshadowed by past abuse scandals involving Catholic clergy in the country, Francis’ acknowledgment of the need to protect young people from harm sends a clear message about the Church’s responsibility in ensuring the well-being of its followers.

Ultimately, this visit serves as a moment of unity and reflection for East Timor, a nation that has faced immense challenges but remains deeply connected to its Catholic faith. As Pope Francis continues his Asia-Pacific tour, his messages of compassion and hope resonate not only with the people of East Timor but with the world at large.