Media Releases
- 09 of May of 2025Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIVPresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
.............................................................................................................................
May 9th, 2025
Press Release
Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
On behalf of the Timorese, the Government of Timor-Leste extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on May 8th, 2025, as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Born in Chicago, United States, in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is the first American Pope and the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to assume the papacy. His career was marked by several years of pastoral mission in Peru, where he served as Bishop of Chiclayo and obtained Peruvian nationality. Pope Leo XIV is widely recognised for his commitment to social justice and the inclusion of the most vulnerable.
Timor-Leste, a nation with a deeply rooted Catholic faith, fondly remembers Pope Francis' pastoral visit in September 2024. The Holy Father's presence was a remarkable moment of spiritual renewal and strengthened the historical ties between the Timorese and the Holy See, bringing a message of hope, unity, and peace, with particular emphasis on the role of young people and the importance of preserving the cultural and spiritual values of the Timorese.
The visit of Saint John Paul II in 1989, during a particularly difficult time in the country's history, also remains a vivid memory, bringing encouragement and courage to the Timorese.
Timor-Leste also expresses its desire for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to visit our country and witness first-hand the living faith and enduring bond that unites the Timorese with the Catholic Church.
During the lengthy years of occupation, the Catholic Church played a crucial role in supporting the Timorese, becoming a refuge where many found protection, spiritual strength, and the courage to resist.
The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, Agio Pereira, stated that “Timor-Leste is currently evoking the inspiring example of Pope Francis, who marked his pontificate with humble leadership, closeness to the people and firm defence of social justice. We sincerely hope Pope Leo XIV will continue this legacy of closeness to the poorest, promoting peace and dialogue between religions”. END - 07 of May of 2025Government Reaffirms Confidence in the Judicial Institutions and the New President of the Court of AppealThe 9th Constitutional Government is closely following the recent public debates surrounding the appointment of the new President of the Court of Appeal, Judge Afonso Carmona, and expresses its full confidence in democratic institutions and in the regular functioning of the judicial system.more
- 07 of May of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on May 7th 2025Approved:more
✅ 1 - New Statute of the National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL);
✅ 2 - Authorisation of expenditure for the construction of a section of road in the Municipality of Manufahi; and
✅ 3 - Temporary suspension of the recruitment of new civil servants; and
✅ 4 - Concept for the design of the new Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
Analysed
➡️ 1 - Presentation on the proposed amendments to the draft new Framework Law on Education, prepared by Commission G of the National Parliament; and
➡️ 2 - Status of Timor-Leste's accession process as a full member of ASEAN. - 05 of May of 2025Prime Minister Congratulates Anthony Albanese on Electoral VictoryThe Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, today sent an official message of congratulations to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Anthony Albanese, regarding his election victory and the renewal of his mandate at the head of the Australian Government.more
- 05 of May of 2025Timor-Leste Government Congratulates Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on His ElectionThe Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, sent a message of congratulations to his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, ‘I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the victory of the People's Action Party and your election as Prime Minister’ of the Republic of Singapore.more
- 04 of May of 2025Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates Anthony Albanese on His Re-election as Prime Minister of AustraliaThe Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste warmly congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his re-election as the head of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia.more
- 30 of April of 2025Government of Timor-Leste Congratulates Vietnam on the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification DayThe Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, has sent a message of congratulations to his counterpart from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day.more
- 30 of April of 2025Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 30th 2025Aproved:more
✅ 1 - Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States and the members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, known as the Samoa Agreement;
✅ 2 - Procedures applicable to preferential rules of origin under free trade agreements and other trade agreements;
✅ 3 - Authorisation of expenditure for the construction of the Galata irrigation project in the municipality of Baucau;
✅ 4 - Second Amendment to Government Resolution No. 7/2024 of January 24th on the establishment of the Executive Committee for the establishment of a Special Economic Development Zone in Oe-Cússe Ambeno; and
✅ 5 - Theme for the celebrations of May 20th, Independence Restoration Day.
1 
