DILI, 11 September 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to Diii with a solemn thanksgiving Mass at Tasi Tolu to honour what Church leaders described as his “spiritual legacy” to the nation.
The ceremony was led by Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, Archbishop of Dili, who in his homily recalled that Tasi Tolu had hosted two historic moments that drew global attention to the country: the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1989, which inspired struggle for self-determination, and Pope Francis’ visit in 2024, which “strengthened the faith and hope of the people.”
Cardinal Carmo said that looking at Timor-Leste’s history “through the eyes of faith” revealed God’s presence throughout the nation’s long path to independence, bringing blessings and guiding it to become a free and sovereign state.
He said that Pope John Paul II’s visit was followed by eight more years of resistance before independence was restored in 2002, a milestone that fulfilled the people’s aspirations for freedom. More than two decades later, Pope Francis’ presence reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s identity as “a nation of living faith” in Asia.
The Cardinal reminded the faithful that John Paul II once called Timorese “the salt of the earth and the light of the world,” while Francis came “to consolidate faith, strengthen hope and inspire charity among us all.”
He underlined that the Pope’s 2024 visit carried a message of reconciliation, peace and solidarity, especially for younger generations. “Pope Francis touched the hearts of the Timorese. He came to strengthen our faith, renew our hope and inspire charity and fraternity,” Cardinal Carmo said.
The Thanksgiving Mass gathered priests, nuns, government officials and hundreds of worshippers. The atmosphere was filled with hymns, prayers and moments of deep devotion, reflecting the strong faith of the Timorese people.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
