Pope Francis is set to arrive in Dili, the capital city of East Timor, on Monday, marking the third stop on his journey through Southeast Asia and Oceania from September 2 to 13.
This visit underscores East Timor’s significant evolution since its emergence as a sovereign nation in 2002.
The Journey of Reconciliation
East Timor, a predominantly Catholic nation, is still navigating its path toward healing after enduring a century of colonization, a prolonged occupation by Indonesia, and severe internal conflicts.
President José Ramos-Horta recently shared with “EWTN News In Depth” how crucial the Catholic Church has been in the nation’s struggle for independence.
He praised the Church for its role in sheltering and saving lives during tumultuous times.
The Catholic Church’s Impact
Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate recognized for his efforts in promoting justice and peace, highlighted the Church’s profound influence on East Timor’s identity.
With 96% of the population identifying as Catholic, the Church has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s cultural and linguistic landscape, elevating Tetum from a minority language to a national one.
A History Marked by Conflict
Catholic missionaries first arrived on the island of Timor in 1515, followed by Portuguese settlers.
The Dutch later controlled the island’s western part, leading to a struggle between the Dutch and Portuguese, which solidified Portuguese dominance in the eastern portion of Timor.
Despite gaining control in 1975, East Timor faced an Indonesian invasion later that year, leading to significant loss of life and suffering.
The situation only began to improve after an international referendum in 1999, which resulted in East Timor’s independence in 2002, following years of violence and turmoil.
Ongoing Reconciliation Efforts
Today, East Timor continues to work towards economic development while addressing high levels of poverty and child malnutrition.
Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, the country’s first cardinal, reflects on the ongoing process of reconciliation with Indonesia and among Timorese themselves.
He emphasizes that while significant progress has been made, the journey towards complete reconciliation is still underway.
The Legacy of Papal Visits
Both Ramos-Horta and Cardinal da Silva acknowledge the profound impact of Pope John Paul II’s 1998 visit to East Timor.
This visit bolstered the faith of the Timorese people and drew international attention to their plight.
The Holy See’s diplomatic handling of the visit, including a symbolic gesture of kissing a cross instead of the ground to avoid political tensions, is remembered as a masterstroke.
Anticipation for Pope Francis
Pope Francis’ visit is expected to be equally significant.
During his brief stay in Dili, he will engage with government officials, local Catholics, priests, and young people, including those with disabilities.
According to Ramos-Horta, the mere presence of Pope Francis will be profoundly impactful, regardless of the words he speaks.
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