Pope Francis visited the Casa Irmãs Alma in Dili, East Timor, on September 10, 2024, during his apostolic trip. This institution, which provides care for children with serious illnesses, welcomed the Pontiff with songs and gifts. Francis stressed the importance of caring for the most vulnerable and was moved by the suffering of children and their families. He highlighted the example of Silvano, a child with a neurodegenerative disease, as a symbol of teaching about the need to learn to be cared for by God.
On his 45th apostolic trip, Pope Francis visited the Casa Irmãs Alma in Dili, East Timor, a place dedicated to the care of children with serious illnesses. His arrival was received with great warmth by the children, who entertained him with songs and gifts. Deeply moved by the children’s suffering and courage, the Pontiff stressed the importance of caring for the most fragile, comparing this act to “the sacrament of the poor.” During his visit, Francis expressed his gratitude to the nuns for their dedication and to the children for their ability to let themselves be cared for by God. He also signed the diary of a young man in a wheelchair and left a statue of the Nativity as a symbol of love and care. As he said goodbye, he was embraced by grieving parents, offering comfort in the midst of pain.
During the visit, the Pope emphasized that love and attention towards the poor are essential in Christian life, describing it as “the sacrament of the poor.” He also interacted with the children and thanked the nuns for their dedication, noting that these little ones are teachers in the lesson of allowing God to care for them.
At the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, Pope Francis heard testimonies from three prominent figures of the local Church:
Sister Rosa Sarmento celebrated the growth of vocations in East Timor, highlighting the positive impact of receiving and sending missionaries. She expressed her gratitude for the Pope’s visit and expressed optimism regarding the future of the Church and the country.
Fr Sancho Amaral shared his courage during the struggle for East Timor’s independence, when he risked his life to accompany the resistance commander, Xanana Gusmão. His faith and determination in times of war reflect the Church’s commitment in difficult times.
Florentino de Jesus Martins, an 89-year-old catechist, recounted his experience of more than fifty years bringing the Gospel to the most remote regions of the country. His sacrifice and dedication were praised by the Pope, who compared him to St. Paul in a gesture of admiration.
These testimonies highlight the courage, dedication and apostolic fervor of the Timorese Church, which continues to face challenges with faith and hope.
In his speech at the Presidential Palace, Francis reflected on the history of East Timor, highlighting the importance of faith and unity in overcoming conflicts. He spoke about the need for inculturation of faith and evangelization of culture, the phenomenon of emigration, and the role of young people in the country. He concluded his speech by encouraging investment in education and trusting in the wisdom of the people, entrusting East Timor to the protection of the Virgin of Aitara.
In his speech, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of faith in the formation of projects and decisions in society. He stressed the need to inculturate faith and evangelize culture, integrating Christianity into local cultures while exerting a positive influence on them.
The Pope recalled the suffering of East Timor during its struggle for independence and expressed his gratitude for the hope maintained despite difficult times. He called for valuing unity over conflict and promoting reconciliation and collaboration.
He also addressed the phenomenon of emigration and alcohol abuse among young people, urging them to face these challenges with positive ideals and attention to education. He praised the country’s youth as a treasure and advised investing in education and in intergenerational encounters between children and grandparents.
He concluded his speech by entrusting the country to the Virgin of Aitara, asking that East Timor advance as a free, democratic, supportive and joyful nation.
