Pope Francis’ Mass in East Timor draws 600,000 people, nearly half the population
The Vatican says some 600,000 people have attended Pope Francis’ Mass in East Timor, or nearly half the country’s population
TASITOLU, East Timor (AP) — An estimated 600,000 people — nearly half of East Timor’s population —- packed a seaside park Tuesday for Pope Francis’ final Mass, held on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed 35 years ago during the nation’s fight for independence from Indonesia.
The remarkable turnout was a testament to the overwhelmingly Catholic Southeast Asian country and the esteem with which its people hold the church, which stood by the Timorese in their traumatic battle for freedom and helped draw international attention to their plight.
Francis delighted them on Tuesday, staying at Tasitolu park until well after nightfall to loop around the field in his open-topped popemobile, with the screens of the crowd's cellphones lighting up the evening.
“I wish for you peace, that you keep having many children, and that your smile continues to be your children,” Francis said in his native Spanish.
