Pope Francis Attracts 600,000 to Mass in Timor-Leste

Pope Francis attracted a crowd of approximately 600,000 individuals during an outdoor mass he led in Timor-Leste on Tuesday, focusing on the joy of childbirth.

During the mass, Pope Francis described the birth of a child as a “shining moment of joy and celebration” worldwide. He expressed that childbirth nurtures “a desire for the good” and encourages “a return to purity and simplicity.”

Francis remarked on the vibrant presence of children in Timor-Leste and commented, “How wonderful that here in Timor-Leste there are so many children: You are a young country and we can see every corner of your land teeming with life.”

He emphasized the necessity of creating welcoming environments for children, urging society to “make space for children, for little ones, welcoming them, taking care of them.”

Upon his arrival in the country on Monday, the Pope highlighted the importance of protecting children, stating that “everything possible” should be done to prevent “every kind of abuse” and to ensure a healthy and peaceful childhood for young people.

This visit comes in light of serious allegations against Bishop Ximenes Belo, who has been accused of abusing young boys in the 1980s and 1990s. The Vatican acknowledged awareness of these allegations and disclosed that Belo’s movements were restricted, along with a prohibition on voluntary contact with minors, which was enforced in 2020.

The visit has also faced scrutiny due to a recent government eviction of around 90 individuals and demolition of homes in the Tasitolu area. Local authorities claimed that many of these people, who migrated from rural regions seeking employment, had erected their homes illegally.

Despite the tensions surrounding the event, the attendance of nearly half of Timor-Leste’s population—a country predominantly adhering to Roman Catholicism—underscored a significant display of faith.

Local telecom companies took precautionary measures by warning customers that the influx of attendees may lead to signal disruptions in the area.