Completing a four-day visit to Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis landed in Timor Leste Monday (September 9), the second Asian country to have a vast majority of Catholics, next to the Philippines.

The Roman Catholic leader was warmly greeted by thousands of Timorese as the papal plane, chartered by Air Niugini, landed at the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport at 2:20 pm (local time) in the East Timor capital of Dili.

Pope Francis and his entourage traveled for over three hours from Port Moresby where he also conducted a well-received and successful visit.

Timorese President Jose Manuel Ramos Huerta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao were waiting for the papal entourage to personally welcome the Pope.

Also present were key officials of the government and representatives from 14 municipalities in the country who were dressed in traditional attire.

Pope Francis and his entourage received traditional Timorese scarves given by young girls.

He departed the airport in the Popemobile, heading to the Apostolic Nunciature in Dili for a brief rest before attending the official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

There, he was expected to deliver his first official address to Timor Leste’s authorities. As he made his way to the Nunciature, crowds lined the streets, cheering and waving Vatican flags in white and yellow.

Pope Francis is the second pope to visit Timor Leste, following St. John Paul II’s visit on October 12, 1989, during the Indonesian occupation. This is the first papal visit since the nation gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.

The theme of the visit, “May your faith be your culture,” highlights the ongoing significance of Catholicism to the Timorese people, whose struggle for freedom from Indonesian rule was strongly supported by the Church.

A major highlight of the visit will be a Mass at the Taci Tolu Esplanade in Dili on September 10, expected to draw around 700,000 attendees, including visitors from neighboring Indonesia and Australia.

During his stay, which concludes on September 11, Pope Francis will also visit children with disabilities, address local clergy, meet fellow Jesuits, and engage with around 4,000 young Timorese people.