The death of Pope Francis has deeply affected millions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly in Timor-Leste, where he was the first pope to visit since independence, drawing massive crowds during his 2024 visit. Leaders like Timor-Leste’s President Jose Ramos Horta and the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised his legacy of humility and interfaith dialogue, with memorials including half-mast flags and church bells ringing in his honor. His message of unity and care for the marginalized resonated across the region, leaving a lasting impact on countries like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
