DILI, 26 April 2025 (TATOLI) – Hundreds of thousands of Timorese faithful attended a Solemn Mass on Saturday, 26 April, at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu, the same site that hosted the historic Eucharistic celebration during the Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste, to pay their final respects and tribute to His Holiness Pope Francis.
The memorial Mass was presided over by Leandro Maria Alves, Bishop of Baucau Diocese, and attended by national leaders, including Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, government officials, and members of the national parliament.
In his homily, Bishop Alves highlighted Pope Francis’ leadership in guiding the Catholic Church with humility and simplicity.
Alves recalled that Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste left a meaningful message, which encouraged the Timorese faithful to maintain their faith and be aware of outside influences.
It’s recalled that after the conclusion of his Holy Mass with more than 600,000 Catholics in Taci-Tolu on September 10, 2024, Pope Francis warned Timorese Catholics to beware of external influences that could destroy their faith as Catholics: “Be careful, because I’ve been told that crocodiles are coming to some beaches. Crocodiles that come swimming and have a stronger bite than we can handle,” said Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, who visited Timor-Leste from 9 to 11 September, 2024, was deeply loved and respected by Timorese people.
During his three-day stay in the country, Pope Francis met with some of the country’s national and religious leaders, visited vulnerable groups, and spoke to massive crowds of the faithful in Dili.
Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, was laid to rest today at around 1 p.m. local time in a simple tomb in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a couple of miles away from the Vatican City.
Before the translation of Pope Francis’ body to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a funeral Mass was held on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and joined by more than 220 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and consecrated religious.
Three Timorese leaders were among the many world leaders attending the Pope’s funeral, including President Ramos Horta, Cardinal of Timor-Leste, Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, and Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas.
TATOLI
