Launch of the Journalist Accreditation Process for the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
The Government of Timor-Leste, represented by the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, announced today, July 16th, 2024, the beginning of the accreditation process for journalists for His Holiness Pope Francis's apostolic visit. The visit, scheduled to take place from September 9th to 11th, 2024, is an event of great spiritual and cultural significance for the country. Accreditation requests must be submitted using the online form available on the Government Portal, at https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?pp
During the press conference held at the Organising Committee Secretariat, the Secretary of State stressed the importance of the papal visit as a moment of national unity, highlighting the peace, solidarity, and fraternity that it symbolises for the Timorese. “For the Timorese, the presence of the Holy Father is a sign of blessing and hope, a moment awaited with great expectation”, said Expedito Dias Ximenes.
The accreditation process is essential to guarantee organised and safe news coverage during Pope Francis’ visit. The Secretary of State explained that this procedure aims to ensure a controlled and efficient environment, guaranteeing the safety of all participants and the integrity of the information disseminated.
Interested journalists must complete a specific form available on the Government Portal by August 16th, 2024. The form is available in Tetum, Portuguese, and English and must be submitted duly completed and accompanied by the necessary documents. If they have any questions, the journalists can contact the Organising Committee Secretariat at gacg.covss.papa.tl@gmail.com.
Once the requests have been received, the Secretariat team will perform a detailed check of the data and documents submitted, including the authenticity of the information provided. Due to space limitations at the various events on the papal visit programme, the number of journalists accredited for each event may be restricted.
In addition to the accreditation process, the launch of a special TALK SHOW programme on Radio and Television of Timor-Leste (RTTL) was also announced. The programme, entitled ‘Preparation for the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Timor-Leste’, will begin in early August and aims to inform and prepare the public for this historic moment. The Organising Committee's preparations, including logistics, security, and the scheduling of ceremonies, will be discussed, with the participation of important figures involved in the event's organisation.
The Government of Timor-Leste continues to work closely with the Vatican, the local Church and other institutions to ensure the success and security of the papal visit. 
