After completing his Apostolic journey in Papua New Guinea, His Holiness Pope Francis will continue his third stop in Timor-Leste. Before this, Pope Francis departed from Indonesia and headed to Papua New Guinea as part of his Apostolic journey. After concluding his visit to Papua New Guinea, the Pope will depart for Timor-Leste and is expected to arrive at 2:00 PM local time.
Before leaving Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis and his delegation held a meeting with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape. The Pope’s visit to Papua New Guinea lasted for approximately three days.
During his stay in Timor-Leste, Pope Francis will remain for three days, with a variety of activities and state visits planned. Upon his arrival, the Pope was greeted enthusiastically by the people of Timor-Leste, who lined the streets in anticipation. At 6:00 PM local time, a welcoming ceremony was held outside the Presidential Palace, attended by both the Pope and the Timor-Leste government.
Read also: Viva Il Papa: Pope Francis Ends Indonesia Visit, Continues to Papua New Guinea
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis will hold an official meeting with the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste at the Presidential Palace. This will be followed by a 7:00 PM engagement, where the Pope is scheduled to deliver a speech to government officials, civil society members, and the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Palace Hall.
The following day, Tuesday, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit children with disabilities at the Irmas Alma School. He will also meet with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians, and catechists at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Later, the Pope will hold a private meeting with members of the Society of Jesus at the Apostolic Nunciature in Timor-Leste.
The highlight of the visit will be a Holy Mass led by Pope Francis at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu, where an estimated 750,000 Catholics from Timor-Leste are expected to attend. This visit has sparked immense joy among the Timorese population, the majority of whom are Catholic. This historic occasion marks the first Papal visit since Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia.
For Timor-Leste, this will be Pope Francis’s second visit, with the first being by Pope John Paul II when Timor-Leste was still part of Indonesia. That visit held great significance for the Timorese people, making Pope Francis’s visit from September 9-11 the second Papal visit and the first since Timor-Leste became an independent nation.
Read also: Cherish the Moment: Indonesia Marks Pope Francis' Visit with New Special Stamps
Theme and Logo of the Visit
Pope Francis’s Apostolic journey continues to Timor-Leste, a predominantly Catholic nation. The official logo for the visit depicts the Pope with his hand raised in blessing, symbolizing his role as a spiritual leader offering guidance and support to the faithful. Behind him is a map of Timor-Leste as part of the Earth, symbolizing the nation’s connection to the global Catholic community.
The motto for the visit, “May your faith be your culture,” carries a profound message, encouraging the people of Timor-Leste to live their faith in harmony with their cultural values and traditions. This motto emphasizes that faith is not only a private belief but also a way of life that can enhance the unique customs and heritage of Timor-Leste.
Read also: Apostolic Journey Schedule: Pope Francis in Southeast Asia and Oceania
Schedule
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis's arrival and activities during his Apostolic Journey in Timor-Leste are as follows:
Monday, September 9, 2024
Port Moresby - Dili
- 09:45 Meeting with Young People (at the Sir John Guise Stadium)
- 11:10 Farewell Ceremony (at Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport)
- 11:40 Departure by airplane from Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport to Dili
- 14:10 Arrival at Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
- 14:10 Official Welcome
- 18:00 Welcome Ceremony (outside the Presidential Palace)
- 18:30 Courtesy Visit to The President of The Republic (at the Presidential Palace)
- 19:00 Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and The Diplomatic Corps (at the Presidential Palace Hall)
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Dili
- 08:45 Visit to Children with Disabilities of the Irmas Alma School
- 09:30 Meeting with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Persons, Seminarians, and Catechists (at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)
- 10:45 Private Meeting with Members of the Society of Jesus (at the Apostolic Nunciature)
- 16:30 Holy Mass (at Esplanade of Taci Tolu)
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Dili - Singapore
- 09:30 Meeting with Young People (at Centro de Convenções)
- 10:45 Farewell Ceremony (at Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport)
- 11:15 Departure by airplane from Dili Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport to Singapore
- 14:15 Arrival at Singapore Changi International Airport
- 14:15 Official Welcome
- 18:15 Private Meeting with Members of the Society of Jesus (at Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Centre)
