World Youth Cross Pilgrimage Reaches East Timor

On August 25, 2025, the World Youth Cross, a symbol of faith, solidarity, and God’s unwavering love, arrived in the Diocese of Maliana, East Timor. The visit marked a milestone in its global pilgrimage, carrying a message of hope for young people worldwide.

Bishop Norberto do Amaral of Maliana presided over Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral (Sagrado Coração de Jesus), joined by hundreds of young people, priests, religious, families, and children.

After the Mass, the World Youth Cross and the icon of the Virgin Mary, symbols of World Youth Day (WYD), were carried in a prayerful procession that included the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross.

The faithful of Maliana also welcomed a delegation from South Korea, host country of the next World Youth Day, scheduled for August 3–8, 2027. The Korean team is visiting dioceses across the world with the cross, raising awareness and strengthening preparations for the international gathering of youth.

Though simple in appearance, the World Youth Cross holds deep significance. Pope John Paul II introduced it at St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee Year of Redemption in 1983. A year later, he entrusted it to the world’s youth with the words: “Carry it throughout the world and bear witness to the love of Christ.”

Since then, the cross has traveled across continents, serving as a unifying symbol of hope and renewal. It reminds millions of Christ’s saving sacrifice and continues to inspire faith and healing. Accompanying it is an image of the Virgin Mary, recalling her steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross and her maternal support for all youth.

This pilgrimage highlights Asia’s growing role in the global Catholic Church and the unifying message of hope the World Youth Cross brings, as the region prepares for WYD 2027 in Korea.

The Diocese of Maliana, one of East Timor’s three dioceses, was created by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.