After eight months, the people of East Timor will return for the outdoor Mass for the late Pope Francis at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu in Dili, Timor-Leste.
In the same place, in September 2024, the Holy Father celebrated the Mass. An estimated 600,000 Catholics attended the massive outdoor Mass, which drew nearly half of the country's population.
East Timor's population is estimated to be around 1.40 million. About 97% of the population is Catholic. The figure makes it the most Catholic country in Asia and one of the most Catholic nations globally, with the highest percentage of Catholics outside of Vatican City, according to CNN.
The Archdiocese of Dili and the government of East Timor are arranging the logistics and preparatory services to celebrate Mass for the late Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 18.00 Htl—on the same day the Vatican will hold the funeral Mass at 10 am (local time).
Cardinal Virgilio Do Carmo Da Silva, Archbishop of Dili, is already in Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on the same day—April 26, 2025. Pope Francis appointed him to serve as an elector for the next pope.
Government sources confirm that President Ramos Horta and Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas will represent Timor-Leste at the funeral.
Organizers expect a huge gathering of people from three dioceses of the country for the April 26 mass.
Pope Francis visited East Timor in September 2024, along with Singapore, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
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