Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão sends letter of congratulations to Pope Francisco
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão sent a message of congratulations to Pope Francisco following the election of the latter as Head the Catholic Church.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of Timor-Leste, I congratulate Your Holiness on Your Ascension to S. Peter Cathedra and convey to You our faith in Your Papacy”, the Prime Minister started by saying in his message.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão recalls the fact that Timor-Leste is “a nation profoundly Catholic”, where the Catholic Church played a central role in the struggle for our self-determination and independence, and that during some of our most difficult moments, the Catholic Church was a source of hope and refuge”. While recalling the visit to Timor-Leste by Pope John Paul II in 1989 as “an historical moment that offered inspiration and renewed faith to our People”, the Prime Minister took advantage of the occasion to extend an invitation to the new Pope to visit the country: “Timor-Leste will quite obviously feel proud and honored should Your Holiness consider visiting our small country.”
Click here to read the full message of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to Pope Francisco.
