Pope Francis concluded his visit to East Timor with a gathering of young people, encouraging them to work together to develop their nation by drawing on the sacrifices made by past generations for independence. The Pope delivered impromptu remarks in Spanish to the youth, emphasizing the importance of remembering the struggles that led to the country’s establishment. Earlier, a record-setting final Mass in East Timor drew a massive crowd of around 600,000 people, reflecting the strong Catholic faith and reverence for the church in the region.

During his visit, Pope Francis warned the Timorese about external influences that could threaten their culture and history, symbolized as “crocodiles” that bite. The country, known for its oil and gas industry, is facing challenges in developing its natural resources, particularly the Greater Sunrise gas field shared with Australia. The Pope criticized exploitation by multinational companies and urged the Timorese to prioritize the well-being of their people and environment.

Despite being one of the poorest countries with high unemployment and malnutrition rates, East Timor has made efforts towards reconciliation and progress. The focus is now on building a better future, with an emphasis on development and welfare. The Pope’s visit highlighted the importance of reconciliation and cooperation with Indonesia, as seen through the experiences of individuals like Fransisco Dionisio Fernandes, who advocated for independence through non-violent means.

As his journey in Asia continued, Pope Francis headed to Singapore, a prosperous city-state known for its economic success and high living standards. Despite its achievements, Singapore faces challenges such as high costs of living and a competitive work environment. The Pontiff’s schedule in Singapore included a private meeting with his fellow Jesuits, marking the next stop on his significant apostolic voyage.