DILI, East Timor: Pope Francis held one of the largest masses of his papacy in East Timor on Tuesday, drawing more than half of the country’s 1.3 million residents. The 87-year-old pontiff received a warm welcome upon his arrival in the capital, Dili, on Monday, with tens of thousands lining the streets to greet him. His visit to the Catholic-majority nation is part of a 12-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region, which included stops in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and will conclude in Singapore.
The highlight of his visit was a mass held in Dili’s wetland area of Tasitolu. While 300,000 people had officially registered to attend, organizers estimated the crowd could swell to between 700,000 and 750,000, making it one of the largest gatherings for a papal event. Devotees, equipped with yellow-and-white umbrellas bearing the Vatican logo, gathered under the hot sun, with firefighters providing some relief by spraying water on the crowd. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao also participated, leading the attendees in a singalong.
Pope Francis used the opportunity to address key issues facing East Timor and the Catholic Church. He called for the “perfume of the Gospel” to combat alcoholism, violence, and the lack of respect for women during a speech at Dili’s cathedral. He also met with Jesuits and children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of peace and social justice.
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However, the papal visit has not been without controversy. East Timor, one of the world’s poorest countries, spent $12 million preparing for the pope’s arrival, including $1 million for an altar where he would sit. This expenditure drew criticism, as many questioned the use of funds in a country facing significant poverty. Additionally, rights groups have criticized the government for demolishing makeshift homes and relocating street vendors ahead of the pope’s visit, actions seen as catering to the event rather than addressing underlying social issues.
Despite the criticism, many East Timorese viewed the pope’s visit as a blessing and a symbol of hope. “There are still many problems that need to be taken care of, but the pope has come here to bring joyful news,” said Felix Kosat, an Indonesian Catholic priest. The visit, which marked only the second papal trip to East Timor after John Paul II’s visit in 1989, has reignited discussions on how the country can address its challenges while fostering a spirit of unity and faith.
