Pope Francis welcomes East Timor

About 4 hours after his arrival in Dili, capital of East Timor, Pope Francis went to the presidential palace for his official welcome and a meeting with the country’s president, José Ramos Horta.

After resting at the Apostolic Nunciature, the Holy Father’s official car arrived at the doors of the presidential palace at 6:00 p.m. (local time).

Numerous faithful received him around the palace with signs, applause and ovations. It should be noted that about 98% of the inhabitants of East Timor are Catholic, making it one of the most Catholic countries in Asia.

Upon his arrival at the entrance of the palace he was received by the president and the honor guard. After listening to the country’s anthem, a total of 29 children appeared in traditional costumes representing the different districts.

3 of them offered the Pope flowers and the traditional handkerchief, the “tais”. Pope Francis affectionately hugged the children after the floral delivery.

After the performance of the anthems and the honoring of the flags, the presentation of the respective Delegations took place.

Present there were, among others, the Apostolic Nuncio to East Timor, Bishop Wojciech Załuski, and the Archbishop of Dili, Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, whom Pope Francis created cardinal in 2022.

Next, after the Holy Father signed the book of honor, he met with the President privately, while members of the Secretariat of State and religious authorities met with the Prime Minister.