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 yesterday. Source: OSV News.
Landing in Dili yesterday, 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, customary for when he arrives in a country, but also a “tais” — a traditional scarf.
Tens of thousands of people, young and old, lined the streets from the airport into the city to see Pope Francis as he rode by in an open Popemobile.
Many people 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 the three girls chosen to give him the gifts.
After Timor-Leste was granted independence from Portugal in 1975, Indonesian troops invaded; after more than 25 years of struggle and the deaths of as many as 100,000 people, Timor-Leste became an independent, democratic nation in 2002.
“You remained firm in hope even amid affliction and, thanks to the character of your people and your faith, you have turned sorrow into joy,” Pope Francis told government officials and leaders of civil society.
While the “dark clouds” of war have cleared, he said, the nation has “new challenges to face and new problems to solve. That is why I want to say: May the faith, which has enlightened and sustained you in the past, continue to inspire your present and future,” particularly with “principles, projects and choices in conformity with the Gospel.”
Pope Francis also spoke of children and adolescents whose dignity has been “violated,” and said, “We are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people.”
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Pope arrives in Timor-Leste, confronts some of nation’s problems (By Cindy Wooden, OSV News)
