Historic Papal Mass Unites East Timor in Celebration and Reflection

An estimated 600,000 people gathered in East Timor for a mass led by Pope Francis, marking the 25th anniversary of the country's independence vote. The event highlighted East Timor's Catholic identity and its long struggle for independence. The pope's visit included meetings with bishops and disabled children, and was part of a larger Southeast Asia tour.

An estimated 600,000 people in East Timor, nearly half of its population, gathered on Tuesday for a Mass with Pope Francis in a coastal park with deep historical significance to the country's independence struggle from Indonesia. Attendees filled a wide, dusty area once used by Indonesian forces to bury Timorese independence fighters.

Braving the scorching 32°C (90°F) heat, many arrived as early as 1 a.m. and waited for hours under umbrellas decorated in Vatican colors, singing local songs and holding signs asking for blessings. The event, one of the largest ever for a papal Mass in terms of population proportion, saw contributions from hundreds of priests, including Rev. Pedro Amaral and 800 of his parishioners.

In his homily, Pope Francis praised the youthful nation, mentioning the high number of children and the country's median age of 20. He warned against imposing Western liberal values, likening cultural intrusions to 'crocodiles.' The pope's visit, part of a 12-day tour, continued his connection with East Timor, following a 1989 visit by John Paul II that energized the independence movement. The visit featured various events, including a tour in an open-top popemobile and a Mass in multiple languages.

(With inputs from agencies.)