Pope Francis is currently in East Timor, where he is celebrating mass with a massive crowd in attendance. More than half of the population of the small country is estimated to be present at the event. This marks the pontiff's second day in East Timor, where he has been engaging in various activities. In the morning, he held meetings with church officials and also took the time to visit a school for children with disabilities. During his visit, the Pope emphasized the importance of protecting children from abuse and called on government leaders to take action.
The mass in East Timor has drawn an estimated 600,000 people, creating a significant moment for the deeply Catholic nation. Approximately 97% of the country's population identifies as Catholic, making it one of the most Catholic nations outside of Vatican City. The scene at the mass is described as a sea of yellow and white umbrellas, with the faithful braving the sweltering heat to participate in the event.
