Pope Francis is leaving East Timor, a small Southeast Asian nation, today. East Timor is one of the most Catholic countries on the planet. A mass was held outside on Tuesday, which drew half the population of the country.
The Pope is on a trip around Asia and the South Pacific islands. Reports said roughly 600,000 people gathered for the Pope’s mass.
The Pope has been visiting Asia this year to help strengthen the Catholic Church’s presence there and support its followers. Christianity and Catholicism are minority religions in most Asian countries, except in East Timor. East Timor (Timor-Leste) is one of the most predominantly Catholic countries in the world. The country is about 97% Roman Catholic, making it one of the highest proportions of Catholics in any nation.
Catholicism in East Timor has deep roots, largely due to centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, as Portugal was a Catholic nation. Catholicism became even more central to Timorese identity during the Indonesian occupation from 1975 to 1999. While Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, Catholicism in East Timor became a symbol of resistance and national identity during this time.
Catholicism plays a crucial role in the national identity of East Timor. After independence in 2002, Catholic institutions remained influential in society, and religious events are major parts of the cultural and public life.
Catholic rituals, festivals, and celebrations are central to everyday life in East Timor. Events such as Easter and Christmas are widely observed, and the Catholic Church is involved in many aspects of community service, education, and social welfare.
The Catholic Church holds significant influence over political and social matters in East Timor. It has historically been involved in education, healthcare, and moral guidance for the population. The Church also played a vital role in advocating for peace and human rights during the Indonesian occupation.
Before leaving the country, Pope Francis told the crowd, “There are two things that touched my heart as I passed through the streets. … The youth of this country and the smile. You are a population who knows how to smile! Keep it up! Do not forget that.”
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/asia/pope-francis-east-timor-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259231/pope-francis-leaves-east-timor-i-ll-never-forget-your-smiles
