World (AP)

Pope Francis’ Mass in East Timor draws 600,000 people, nearly half the population | AP News

Pope Francis’ Mass in East Timor draws 600,000 people, nearly half the population | AP News

An estimated 600,000 people — nearly half of East Timor’s population — packed a seaside park Tuesday for Pope Francis’ final Mass, held on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed 35 years ago during the nation’s fight for independence from Indonesia.

An estimated 600,000 people — nearly half of East Timor’s population — packed a seaside park Tuesday for Pope Francis’ final Mass, held on the same field where St. John Paul II prayed 35 years ago during the nation’s fight for independence from Indonesia.