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PHOTO COLLECTION: Pope Francis Visits East Timor

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PHOTO COLLECTION: Pope Francis Visits East Timor
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PHOTO COLLECTION: Pope Francis Visits East Timor

2024-09-10 19:45 Last Updated At:19:51

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis attends the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis attends the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis waves out of the car on the day of the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis waves out of the car on the day of the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Faithful receive communion during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Faithful receive communion during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A faithful attends the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A faithful attends the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, left, welcomes Pope Francis as he arrives to preside over a mass in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, left, welcomes Pope Francis as he arrives to preside over a mass in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful react during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Faithful react during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, right, protects Pope Francis, wearing an East Timor traditional scarf, from the sun with an umbrella with the colors of the Vatican flag as he arrives to preside over a votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, right, protects Pope Francis, wearing an East Timor traditional scarf, from the sun with an umbrella with the colors of the Vatican flag as he arrives to preside over a votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People wait for Pope Francis visiting to children with disabilities of the Irmas Alma School in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People wait for Pope Francis visiting to children with disabilities of the Irmas Alma School in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets the people after the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets the people after the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Vatican Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, left, attends a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Vatican Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, left, attends a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

A man with an image of Jesus Christ tattooed on his arm attends a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

A man with an image of Jesus Christ tattooed on his arm attends a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis in the car, is welcomed in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis in the car, is welcomed in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People wait along a road where Pope Francis is expected to pass on his way from the Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport to the Apostolic nunciature in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

People wait along a road where Pope Francis is expected to pass on his way from the Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport to the Apostolic nunciature in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

People try to film Pope Francis with their mobile phone through a fence in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People try to film Pope Francis with their mobile phone through a fence in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Guards in traditional attire stand to welcome Pope Francis during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Guards in traditional attire stand to welcome Pope Francis during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta, right, arrive for a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta, right, arrive for a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis is helped by East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta to get up from his wheelchair during the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis is helped by East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta to get up from his wheelchair during the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta attend a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta attend a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis greets people at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis greets people at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis arrives at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. "Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated," Francis said. "In response, we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. "Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated," Francis said. "In response, we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leads the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis leads the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets people in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets people in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to another venue in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to another venue in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits along with him during a welcoming ceremony upon their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits along with him during a welcoming ceremony upon their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

More Images
A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis attends the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis attends the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after leading a holy mass at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis waves out of the car on the day of the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis waves out of the car on the day of the Holy Mass at the Esplanade of Taci Tolu during his apostolic trip to Asia, in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Faithful receive communion during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Faithful receive communion during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A faithful attends the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A faithful attends the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, left, welcomes Pope Francis as he arrives to preside over a mass in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, left, welcomes Pope Francis as he arrives to preside over a mass in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful react during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Faithful react during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

A catholic faithful holds a cross during the holy mass lead by Pope Francis at Tasitolu park in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, right, protects Pope Francis, wearing an East Timor traditional scarf, from the sun with an umbrella with the colors of the Vatican flag as he arrives to preside over a votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Archbishop of Dili Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, right, protects Pope Francis, wearing an East Timor traditional scarf, from the sun with an umbrella with the colors of the Vatican flag as he arrives to preside over a votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in Tasitolu, some 8 kilometers west of Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis presides over a mass in a seaside park on the same field where St. John Paul II celebrated a historic liturgy during East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

East Timorese crowd Tacitolu park for Pope Francis' Mass in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People wait for Pope Francis visiting to children with disabilities of the Irmas Alma School in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People wait for Pope Francis visiting to children with disabilities of the Irmas Alma School in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets the people after the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets the people after the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis waves from his car as he arrives at the Presidential Palace for a welcome ceremony with President José Manuel Ramos-Horta in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Vatican Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, left, attends a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Vatican Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, left, attends a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

A man with an image of Jesus Christ tattooed on his arm attends a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

A man with an image of Jesus Christ tattooed on his arm attends a Sunday mass ahead of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, at a church in Dili, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis in the car, is welcomed in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis in the car, is welcomed in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People wait along a road where Pope Francis is expected to pass on his way from the Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport to the Apostolic nunciature in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

People wait along a road where Pope Francis is expected to pass on his way from the Dili's Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport to the Apostolic nunciature in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

People try to film Pope Francis with their mobile phone through a fence in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People try to film Pope Francis with their mobile phone through a fence in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Guards in traditional attire stand to welcome Pope Francis during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Guards in traditional attire stand to welcome Pope Francis during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President José Manuel Ramos-Horta, right, attend a welcome ceremony outside the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Pope Francis arrived in East Timor on Monday to encourage its recovery from a bloody and traumatic past and celebrate its development after two decades of independence from Indonesian rule. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta, right, arrive for a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta, right, arrive for a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis is helped by East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta to get up from his wheelchair during the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis is helped by East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta to get up from his wheelchair during the welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, Pool)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta attend a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis and East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta attend a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday Sept. 9, 2024. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis greets people at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis greets people at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis arrives at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. "Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated," Francis said. "In response, we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis arrives at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. "Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated," Francis said. "In response, we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people." (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People wait for Pope Francis to arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis leads the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis leads the holy mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets people in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Pope Francis greets people in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to another venue in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

People greet Pope Francis as he travels in a car on way to another venue in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis consoles a person during a visit at the 'Irmas ALMA' (Sisters of the Association of Lay Missionaries) School for Children with Disabilities in Dili, East Timor, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Pope Francis has indirectly acknowledged the abuse scandal in East Timor involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning independence hero Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits along with him during a welcoming ceremony upon their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis hugs a child as East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta sits along with him during a welcoming ceremony upon their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Dili, East Timor, Sept.9, 2024. (Willy Kurniawan/Pool Photo via AP)

GENEVA (AP) — Independent U.N. human rights experts said in a new report Tuesday that their findings show Venezuela's government has intensified the use of “harshest and most violent" tools of repression following the disputed July presidential election.

The official results of the July 28 vote have been widely criticized as undemocratic, opaque and aimed to maintain President Nicolás Maduro in power.

In its report, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela, commissioned by the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council, denounced rights violations including arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence by the country's security forces that “taken as a whole, constitute the crime against humanity of persecution on political grounds.”

“During the period covered by this report, and especially after the presidential election of July 28, 2024, the state reactivated and intensified the harshest and most violent mechanisms of its repressive apparatus,” said the experts in the report, which covered a one-year period through Aug. 31.

The findings echo concerns from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Human Rights Watch, and others about Venezuela and its democracy, including repression before and after the highly anticipated vote and the subsequent flight into exile of Venezuela's opposition leader Edmundo González.

Marta Valiñas, head of the experts team, said that between July 29 and Aug. 6, Venezuelan authorities acknowledged they arrested more than 2,200 people.

"Of these, we have confirmed the arrest of at least 158 children — some with disabilities," Valiñas told reporters at a news conference Tuesday in Geneva, noting that some had been accused of serious crimes, such as terrorism.

“This phenomenon is something new and extremely worrying,” she said. "We are facing a systematic, coordinated and deliberate repression by the Venezuelan government which responds to a conscious plan to silence any form of dissent.”

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, said he won the election with 52% of the vote. But opposition supporters collected tally sheets from 80% of the nation's electronic voting machines, and said that indicated González had won the election — with twice as many votes as Maduro.

Global condemnation over the lack of transparency prompted Maduro to ask Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice, whose members are aligned with the ruling party, to audit the results. The high court reaffirmed his victory.

The independent experts, who do not represent the United Nations, comprise a fact-finding mission created in 2019. They have been reporting on rights violations — including alleged crimes against humanity — in Maduro's Venezuela for years. This report, the fifth of its kind, decried the government's efforts to crush peaceful opposition to its rule.

The justice system — led by the Supreme Tribunal — “is clearly subordinated” to the interests of Maduro and his close allies and served as a “key instrument in its plan to repress all forms of political and social opposition,” they wrote.

In the hours after Maduro was declared the winner, thousands of people took to the streets across Venezuela. The protests were largely peaceful, but demonstrators also toppled statues of Maduro’s predecessor, the late Hugo Chávez, threw rocks at law enforcement officers and buildings, and burned police motorcycles and government propaganda.

Maduro's government responded to the demonstrations with full force, carrying out arbitrary detentions, prosecutions as well as a campaign that encourages people to report relatives, neighbors and other acquaintances who participated in the protests or cast doubt on the results.

Patricia Tappatá Valdez, a member of the expert team, said it had verified that at least 143 arrests involved members of seven opposition parties, including 66 leaders of political movements.

“Politically motivated persecution is evident," she said. "These figures represent a level of repression that we have not seen since 2019.”

The independent experts said they compiled the report through interviews with 383 people and reviews of court case files and other documents while also acknowledging limits to their information-gathering in the post-election period.

The experts said their requests for information from Venezuelan authorities were “ignored” despite appeals for cooperation from the rights council, which is made up of a rotating membership among 47 U.N. member countries.

Associated Press writers Regina Garcia Cano in Mexico City and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

FILE - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addresses government loyalists gathered at the presidential palace in support of his reelection one month after the presidential vote, in Caracas, Venezuela, Aug. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

FILE - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addresses government loyalists gathered at the presidential palace in support of his reelection one month after the presidential vote, in Caracas, Venezuela, Aug. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

FILE - Protesters clash with police during demonstrations against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro's reelection, the day after the vote in Caracas, Venezuela, July 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)

FILE - Protesters clash with police during demonstrations against the official election results declaring President Nicolas Maduro's reelection, the day after the vote in Caracas, Venezuela, July 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)

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