Nearly half of Timor-Leste’s population turns out for Mass with Pope Francis

Pope Francis delivered a message of hope, humility and renewal on Tuesday during a Mass that drew about 600,000 faithful in Timor-Leste – nearly half the nation’s population – as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Indonesia’s tiny next-door neighbor.

Addressing the huge crowd at Tasitolu, a scenic esplanade about 8 km (5 miles) west of the capital Dili, Francis hailed Timor-Leste’s youthful demographic and noted that Catholics made up 98% of its 1.34 million population – a symbol of hope for the future.

“How wonderful that here in Timor-Leste there are so many children,” Francis said during his homily. “What a great gift it is that so many young people are present, constantly renewing the energy, joy and enthusiasm of your people.”

Timor-Leste has one of the youngest populations in the world, with an estimated 42% age 18 and younger. According to the United Nations, 57% of Timorese are age 25 and younger, and those 30 and younger account for 70% of the population. 

In addition, Timor-Leste is one of the world’s poorest countries. U.N. data shows that about 40% live below the poverty line.

In his sermon, Francis stressed that true greatness comes from embracing humility and making room for those in need. 

“By making ourselves small, we allow the Almighty to do great things in us,” he said, urging the faithful to not be afraid of sacrificing personal plans and ambitions to help others.

The pontiff was visiting Timor-Leste soon after its people marked the 25th anniversary of a 1999 U.N.-sponsored referendum where Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence from Jakarta. In December 1975, Indonesia invaded this ex-Portuguese colony, then known as East Timor, and occupied it for 24 years. 

His visit, however, was overshadowed by child-sex allegations that have implicated Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, a Nobel laureate and one of the key leaders of East Timor’s struggle to break free from Indonesia. In 2022, the Vatican acknowledged that the senior Timorese clergyman had sexually abused young boys.

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Official figures showed that 300,000 people had registered for the Mass on Tuesday, but security officials allowed those who did not sign up to attend. Many carried white and yellow umbrellas – the colors of the Vatican – to shield themselves from the sun.

Francis arrived in Timor-Leste to an enthusiastic reception on Monday. As the pope’s motorcade traveled along the capital city’s streets, thousands lined the route, waving Vatican and Timor-Leste flags.

Four-nation tour

The visit marked the third leg of Francis’ 12-day tour in the Asia-Pacific region, the longest of his papacy. Following previous stops in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the pope, 87, was scheduled to travel to Singapore on Wednesday and return to Rome on Friday.

Timor-Leste formally gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a violent struggle. The Catholic Church played a vital role in the nation’s path toward peace and reconciliation. 

The papal visit was the second by the leader of the Catholic Church – Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Tasitolu during a visit in 1989 when the nation was under Indonesian occupation.  

In honor of that visit, the Timorese government in 2008 erected a 6-meter (19.6-feet) statue of John Paul II overlooking the esplanade where Tuesday’s Mass celebration took place.

“This is a blessing I am truly grateful for,” Ernestina Gomes, 38, said about Tuesday’s religious gathering. 

“When the pope [John Paul] visited us for the first time in 1989, I was just a child and could only hear stories,” she told BenarNews. “The pope’s message about peace, love for one another and his solidarity with the poor moved us all deeply.” 

Abuse 

The revelations of abuse that implicated Bishop Belo, a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, shocked people in the deeply religious nation after Dutch journalist Tjiyske Lingsma broke the story in 2022. The day after his report was published, the Vatican confirmed that Belo had been secretly sanctioned two years earlier.

The pope did not address the scandal directly, but during a meeting with officials and civil society groups on Monday, he highlighted the concern over excessive alcohol consumption among youth. 

Francis urged communities to provide positive role models and ideals to help steer young people from such harmful behavior. 

“Let us not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated, a phenomenon emerging across the globe,” he said. 

“In response, 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,” he added.

‘Edge of the world’

Meanwhile, during his morning address to clergy at Dili’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception before the Mass, Francis acknowledged the geographical and symbolic significance of Timor-Leste, which he described as “at the edge of the world,” but central to the Christian message. 

“I am happy to be with you during this journey in which I am a pilgrim in the lands of the East,” he said.

Diocesan priest Santos Amaral, 68, highlighted the church’s role not only in religious life but also in Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence. 

Amaral recalled the moment when he was called upon to assist then-Timorese rebel commander Xanana Gusmão, now the country’s prime minister, in a critical operation in the 1990s. 

“The commander needed me to accompany him to the Eastern zone,” Amaral said. “There was no one else he trusted to go with him. I was confused, but after praying for discernment, I knew I had to help.”

Nearing the Eastern zone, they encountered Indonesian military forces.

“When the soldiers signaled for us to stop, Commander Xanana turned to me and said, ‘Father, we won’t make it this time,’” Amaral said.

“I rolled down the car window, showing my cassock, and asked them why they stopped us,” he said. 

Recognizing him as a priest, the soldiers allowed them to pass.

“My priestly garment saved us that day,” Amaral said. “God knows how to take care of those He has called and sent on a mission.”

Tria Dianti in Jakarta contributed to the report.

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