Pope Francis received an incredibly warm welcome on his visit to East Timor, a predominantly Catholic nation where 98% of the population practices the faith.
On Tuesday, the local clergy and religious leaders were thrilled to meet him in Dili, the capital city, showing their deep respect and excitement for his presence.
Inside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, around 600 clergy members filled the space, with an additional 1,500 faithful gathered outside, eager to see the pope.
The pope’s message to the clergy, religious sisters, and bishops was clear: the importance of spreading the Good News and keeping the vibrant faith alive.
He encouraged them to remain committed to evangelization, saying, “The Church exists to evangelize, and we are called to bring the new life of the Gospel to others.”
A Nation’s Faith and History
Pope Francis’ visit was part of his larger 11-day trip through Southeast Asia and Oceania, where evangelization has been a core theme.
East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of the world’s newest nations, gaining independence in 2002 after a long struggle.
Located off the northern coast of Australia, East Timor is positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Oceania.
During his address, Pope Francis spoke about the vital role of the Church in helping those on the margins, saying, “A Church that hides in the center is a sick Church.
But if a Church focuses on the peripheries, it becomes the center.”
This message resonated with many in the audience, including those who serve in the remote regions of the country, where poverty and lack of basic services remain significant challenges.
The Work of Missionaries and Religious Orders
One of the most inspiring aspects of East Timor’s religious community is the tireless work of missionaries like Father Luan Le, a Franciscan Capuchin friar from Australia.
For the past decade, he has been serving in East Timor, primarily working with the poor in remote, mountainous areas.
He noted that basic education and healthcare are still major hurdles, with many villages lacking access to medical care.
Similarly, the Hospitaller Sisters of Mercy have been helping young girls in rural areas access education by providing dormitories, allowing them to avoid walking long distances to school each day.
Sister Paola Lacovone shared how their mission has expanded to support education alongside healthcare, bringing a lasting impact to the community.
An Oasis of Religious Vocations
East Timor has earned a reputation for being a hub of priestly and religious vocations in Southeast Asia.
Sister Rosa Sarmento, a Canossian Sister, highlighted the country’s strong religious commitment and the growing number of Timorese religious now serving abroad, reversing the historical trend of missionaries coming to Timor from Europe.
Sister Rosa asked the pope for his blessing, especially for the many disabled people in the country.
Stories of Courage and Dedication
During the visit, several witnesses shared powerful stories of their dedication to faith and country.
Father Sancho Amaral, a priest with 39 years of service, recalled how wearing his cassock helped him smuggle the leader of East Timor’s independence movement, Xanana Gusmão, past Indonesian soldiers in 1991.
His tale of courage underlines how deeply faith and mission have intertwined with the nation’s history of struggle for freedom.
Florentino de Jesus Martins, an 89-year-old catechist, also shared his remarkable journey of serving the Church for 56 years, often walking long distances in harsh conditions to teach catechism.
Though retired, his unwavering commitment continues to inspire others.
The Fragrance of Christ in East Timor
In his closing remarks, Pope Francis spoke poetically about East Timor’s famous sandalwood, comparing it to the fragrance of Christ’s love that Catholics are called to share with the world.
He urged the faithful to preserve this “fragrance” and use it to combat the challenges the country faces, including corruption, alcoholism, and violence.
The pope’s message was clear: East Timor, with its deep Christian roots, must continue to embrace its mission of evangelization, bringing the light of the Gospel to all corners of the nation and the world.
His words inspired hope for peace, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to social and economic development.
Looking Toward the Future
As Pope Francis concluded his visit, he left the people of East Timor with an encouraging message: “Do not be discouraged.”
His presence in the country was not only a spiritual blessing but also a reminder of the Church’s role in fostering justice, compassion, and growth for the future.