Crocodile tears: How East Timor became an unlikely Catholic stronghold

From colony to occupied territory to independent nation, the Church - and papal diplomacy - have helped shape Asia's most Catholic country

As part of his long trip to Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis will be visiting the small nation of East Timor from September 9 to 11 — the second visit of a pope to the territory, but the first since East Timor was formally recognized as independent in 2002. 

Restoration of Independence Day ceremonies, Maliana, Timor-Leste, 2015. Image credit: David Webster…