The Tacitolu park just outside Dili is said to have been a site where Indonesian troops disposed of bodies killed during their rule. Now it is known as the Park of Peace and features a bigger-than-life-sized statue of John Paul to commemorate his 1989 visit.
John Paul's visit helped draw international attention to the plight of the Timorese people and shine a spotlight on the oppressiveness of Indonesia's military rule, during which as many as 200,000 people were killed over a quarter century.
Government authorities said some 300,000 people had registered through their dioceses to attend the Pope's mass, but President Jose Ramos-Horta said he expected 700,000 and the Vatican predicted as many as 750,000.
They lined up before dawn by the tens of thousands to enter the Tacitolu Park, located on the coast about 8km from downtown Dili.
"For us, the Pope is a reflection of the Lord Jesus, as a shepherd who wants to see his sheep, so we come to him with all our hearts as our worship," said Alfonso de Jesus, who came from Baucau, the country's second largest city.
De Jesus, 56, was among the estimated 100,000 people who attended John Paul's 1989 mass, which was notable because of a riot that broke out just as it was ending. John Paul looked on as Indonesian plain-clothed police clashed with some 20 young men who shouted "Viva a independencia" and "Viva el Papa!"
Francis has cheered East Timor for the progress it has achieved since independence and is seeking to encourage the country to strengthen its public institutions and look out for the poorest and most vulnerable.Â
The Pope opened his day on Tuesday visiting a home for disabled children run by a congregation of religious sisters. Young girls, including one without arms, presented Francis with a traditional woven shawl known as a tais as he arrived at the Irmas Alma school.
As he stroked the hand of a young boy named Silvano in a stroller, Francis said taking care of children with such health needs "teaches us to care."
"As he allows himself to be cared for, we must learn to be cared for by God, who loves us," he said.
Francis then met with clergy and religious sisters at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he praised the women, saying they are the most important figures in the church.
