Dili, September 13, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Catholics of Timor-Leste celebrated a thanksgiving Mass marking the first anniversary of His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste. The Mass was held at the Santo Tasi-Tolu Altar on Wednesday.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Dili, Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, stated that this special celebration Mass was dedicated to the memory of Pope Francis’ presence, which remains a historic moment for the faith of Timor-Leste.
“Today, as we all gather here at the Santo Tasi-Tolu Altar, we recognize this place as the site of two great historic events that not only demonstrated the faith of the people of Timor-Leste but also placed our nation on the world map. The first historic event was the visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II in 1989, which showed the world that the people of Timor are faithful, united, and determined in their struggle for self-determination,” said Cardinal Virgílio.
He went on to emphasize that the second historic event was the visit of Pope Francis to Timor-Leste from September 9–11, 2024, which revealed his humility and closeness to the faithful through his encounters and messages. He recalled that in 1989, Pope John Paul II told the people, “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” A little more than a decade after that visit, the Timorese finally achieved independence, bringing to life the hope of freedom for which the faithful had long prayed.
“Once again, Timor-Leste has shown the world that although our nation is small, our Catholic faith shines brightly in the heart of Asia. The presence of His Holiness Pope Francis last year strengthened the faith of the Timorese people and reaffirmed our culture of valuing the Gospel as a people of faith,” the Archbishop continued.
He added that Pope Francis found love in the hearts of Timorese children, youth, and elders, and that this love of the Gospel will continue to inspire culture and values so that the Word of God may live and grow in the hearts of Timorese believers.
“Today, we gather here as a small portion of God’s people in Timor-Leste to celebrate this Mass of Thanksgiving on the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit. His presence was a true sign of God’s love and blessing for us all through the paternal presence of Pope Francis,” the Archbishop affirmed.
He underlined that Pope Francis’ visit renewed the faith of the Timorese, strengthened unity, and deepened love among the people, as they received God’s grace through the Pope’s presence. Though Pope Francis has since passed into God’s eternal kingdom, his visit continues to inspire faith, hope for the future, and greater charity among the Timorese.
As a representative of the faithful, Jaime Mendoça Lopes expressed mixed feelings: joy in celebrating the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit, but also sadness that the Pope has since passed away.
“As a Catholic, I feel both joy and sorrow, joy because today’s Mass brings together the Catholics of Timor-Leste to strengthen our faith and celebrate the anniversary of His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit, but sorrow because he is no longer with us in this world,” Jaime shared.
He also noted that during last year’s papal visit, vast crowds gathered from dawn until the Mass ended, unlike this year when fewer people were present. Yet, he said, the gathering still showed that the Catholic faith remains strong in Timor-Leste.
The thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Cardinal Virgílio, with the participation of the Bishop of the Diocese of Baucau, members of government, priests, and nuns, members of the military, PNTL, and the Catholic faithful.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo by: Nelfiano