What's happened
Pope Francis concluded his visit to East Timor, addressing a crowd of 600,000 at a Mass in Dili. He urged the youth to remember their history and warned against external influences that could alter their culture. The visit highlighted the nation's ongoing struggles with poverty and the controversial spending on the papal visit.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Pope Francis's visit was marked by a massive turnout, with nearly half of East Timor's population attending the Mass. The pope's off-the-cuff remarks about 'crocodiles' were interpreted as a warning against external influences that could undermine local culture. Al Jazeera reported on the emotional reception he received, emphasizing the significance of his presence in a country with a painful history of oppression. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlighted the historical context of the Mass location, where many independence fighters were buried, adding depth to the event's significance. The Independent also noted the controversy surrounding the $12 million budget for the visit, which has drawn criticism from activists concerned about poverty in the nation.
How we got here
Pope Francis's visit to East Timor marks a significant moment for the country, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002. The visit comes amid concerns over poverty and high unemployment, as well as criticism regarding the $12 million budget allocated for the trip.
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