Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

DILI, Timor-Leste — The faith that sustained the hope of the people of Timor-Leste in their struggle for independence should be a resource now as the country tries to cope with social, economic, and environmental problems, Pope Francis said.

Landing in Dili on Sept. 9, the pope was welcomed at the airport by both President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, as well as two children who offered him flowers and a “tais” — a traditional scarf.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets from the airport into the city to see Pope Francis as he rode by in an open popemobile. Many took shelter from the sun under yellow and white umbrellas featuring the logo of the trip as well as the flags of Timor-Leste and the Vatican.

After an hour’s rest at the new "green" Vatican nunciature where he was staying, Pope Francis went to the presidential palace where he received more flowers, another tais, and hugs from three girls chosen to give him gifts.

Of the four nations Pope Francis is visiting from Sept. 2-13, Timor-Leste is unique with its Catholic majority. According to Vatican statistics, close to 96% of its population is Catholic.

After gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Indonesian troops invaded Timor-Leste; after more than 25 years of struggle and up to 100,000 deaths, it became an independent democratic nation in 2002.

“You remained firm in hope even amid affliction and thanks to your character and faith you have turned sorrow into joy,” Pope Francis told government officials and civil society leaders. While war's "dark clouds" have cleared, he said new challenges must be faced with principles aligned with Gospel teachings.

Poverty, underemployment, crime, and emigration are signs indicating a need for change and commitment towards common good efforts. The president informed Pope Francis that efforts are ongoing against "multi-dimensional poverty," hunger insecurity malnutrition violence exclusion marginalization."

“Infants children youth have right better world develop potential peaceful dignified balanced family environment,” Ramos-Horta said.

Timor-Leste also struggles with what Pope Francis called “social scourges” like excessive alcohol use gang formation young people martial arts training harmful power violence.” The prime minister extended ban martial arts instruction during visit part security measures different groups known engage street fighting.”

Pope Francis spoke about children adolescents whose dignity violated called prevent abuse guarantee healthy peaceful childhood all young people.”

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“Looking recent past accomplished reason confident nation face intelligently creatively difficulties problems today trust wisdom people,” pope said.”

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