Pope Francis in Timor Leste

 Leo Wearden MSC has traveled to Timor Leste for two weeks to celebrate a significant anniversary.

He writes, “Friday 30th August is the 25th anniversary of the UN-sponsored vote for independence by the people of Timor Leste. I was fortunate enough to be there for the occasion 25 years ago, and I will return tomorrow to remember the courage and determination displayed on that day by the people to be free of the Indonesian military. A number of religious and priests who I met in the days before the referendum were killed by Indonesian militia in the days after the vote. I will then stay for some days to be present for the visit of Pope Francis and celebration of the Eucharist with the people of Timor Leste.

Above is a photo of Cardinal Virgilio Carmo do Soares SDB after Mass yesterday at Immaculate Conception Cathedral Dili. I concelebrated with the Cardinal who I met some years ago when he was a priest in charge of Salesian formation in Timor Leste. Today the people of Timor Leste will welcome Pope Francis. I will attend the gathering of Pope Francis with the religious and clergy of Timor Leste tomorrow morning before joining the concelebrated Mass at Taci Tolu in the evening with what is expected to be the largest crowd at any of the Popes masses in his travels in recent days.”

And some more photos from Vatican News.