On the morning of Tuesday, September 10, Pope Francis began his second day in the young Catholic nation of Timor-Leste with a heartfelt visit to children with impairments.
The streets were lined with people eager to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father as he arrived at the Irmãs Alma School. He was warmly greeted by a choir of singing sisters and children dressed in traditional attire.
Later, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, Pope Francis addressed the clergy, consecrated individuals, seminarians, and catechists. He urged them to safeguard and spread the gospel's essence throughout Timor-Leste.
The Holy Father also warned against "lukewarm spiritual mediocrity," emphasizing that the fragrance of the gospel is not for personal use but to "anoint the feet of Christ, proclaim the Gospel, and serve the poor."
In the coastal plain of Taci Tolu, Pope Francis celebrated an outdoor Mass attended by approximately 600,000 people, nearly half of the nation's population. During his homily, he reflected on the words of the prophet Isaiah, stating that God revealed "a new horizon" not through "armies, weapons, and wealth," but "through the gift of a son."
In a moving moment, Pope Francis embraced a 103-year-old Portuguese Jesuit who has served in Timor-Leste since the Indonesian occupation. This touching encounter occurred during a vibrant discussion with Jesuits from various parts of Asia.
