Pope Francis recently made headlines by conducting Mass for half of East Timor's population, drawing approximately 600,000 Catholic faithful to the event. The open-air Mass took place on September 10, 2024, at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu in Dili, the capital of the nation where nearly the entire population is Catholic. This visit marked the first papal Mass ever celebrated in East Timor, highlighting the significance of the occasion for the predominantly Catholic nation and its people.
The event was part of Pope Francis's broader 12-day tour across the Asia-Pacific region, having already visited Indonesia and Papua New Guinea before arriving in East Timor. The turnout—a staggering proportion of the country's population—underscores the depth of Catholic faith in East Timor, which boasts one of the highest proportions of practicing Catholics globally, at around 98%.
Local officials prepared for this extraordinary event by declaring the days of the Pope's visit as national holidays, leading to widespread public participation. Main roads were closed, and local businesses shut their doors, allowing residents to flock to the esplanade for the Mass. People from various corners of the country began their pilgrimage as early as 4 AM, hoping to secure closer vantage points to witness the Pope firsthand.
Among those who queued patiently was Estefania Clotaria-Monterio Gutierrez Ornai, who arrived at 4 AM. She expressed her eagerness, saying, "I hope through his visit, he can show us to be more respectful to each other and encourage us..." This eagerness reflected the atmosphere of anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.
Pope Francis delivered poignant messages during the service. He noted East Timor's youthful spirit, emphasizing the importance of family. "How wonderful it is here in Timor-Leste; there are so many children. We can see every corner of your land teeming with life,” he affirmed. His comments about the high birth rate echoed throughout the event. Notably, East Timor's fertility rate has been nearly seven children per woman, and the Pope encouraged families to continue growing.
Many families took advantage of the sweltering heat by shielding themselves with yellow and white umbrellas adorned with Vatican colors. They also welcomed mist sprays offered by firefighters, all part of the collective effort to stay cool as they waited for the Mass to start. The energy of the crowd was palpable, with chants of “Viva Papa Francesco!” breaking the heat and fatigue.
Pope Francis, known for his relatable and off-the-cuff style, spoke not only about families and children but touched on more delicate topics related to national identity. After Mass, he humorously yet pointedly warned attendees about “crocodiles coming to some beaches,” using this analogy to comment on the challenges faced by the nation. He advised, “Be attentive to those crocodiles because they bite, and they bite a lot,” metaphorically urging the people to be cautious of external influences and maintain their cultural identity.
His visit signified more than just religious affirmation; it represented the lasting bond between the Catholic Church and East Timor, which gained independence after decades of struggle, much of which involved the Church advocating for human rights. The attendance emphasized the Catholic Church's role as central to the nation’s cultural and social fabric.
The significance of such gatherings cannot be underestimated, particularly for East Timor, which continues to navigate its developing economy, often weighed down by challenges such as poverty, even with offshore resources like oil and gas. During his visit, the Pope urged the country, "Let us ask together... as we reflect the strong light of the God of love, to take care of the least among us.”
Pope Francis took joy not only from the presence of the large gathering but also from the vibrancy portrayed by the youth, as highlighted by Mary Michaela, 17, who spoke candidly about the emotional experience of being part of the event. Amidst the crowds, she stated, "I am so happy for everyone here. I want to give my present to Papa Francisco. I am so emotional."
The Mass concluded with communal joy, and as night fell, Pope Francis took to his popemobile to greet pilgrims, ensuring every moment was shared, embraced, and celebrated by each attendee who had come to honor their faith with him. The event not only solidified the bond between the Pope and the nation but also reinvigorated the spirit of faith among the East Timorese, emphasizing community, family, and the importance of cherishing their rich cultural heritage. The significance of Pope Francis' visit will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts and beliefs of the people of East Timor for generations to come.
