The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and various government members participated in the ceremony celebrating the 11th anniversary of His Holiness Pope Francis’s election. The ceremony, sponsored by the Apostolic Nunciature in Dili, occurred on March 15^th, 2024. 

On March 13^th, 2013, 11 years ago, Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected to the Chair of Peter. He was the first Jesuit and Latin American Pope elected after the resignation of his predecessor. He was the first Pope to choose the name Francis.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed Timor-Leste’s congratulations to His Holiness Pope Francis, highlighting the importance of his pontificate and his global leadership on peace, justice, and human fraternity issues. The Prime Minister, accompanied by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, handed over a symbolic photograph to the Holy See Representative in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi. 

In his speech during the celebration, the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, conveyed Timor-Leste’s gratitude and congratulations to Pope Francis, praising his humility, inclusion, and tireless service to humanity. The Head of State also highlighted the importance of the 2019 Abu Dhabi Declaration on Human Fraternity, adopted by the Timorese Parliament as a national guiding principle. 

Timor-Leste is preparing for Pope Francis’ long-awaited visit. On February 12^th, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi revealed that, although “it is not yet possible to confirm a date”, “the Timorese Government is making excellent preparations”. He thanked the Government “on behalf of the Holy See” “for the enormous, excellent, competent and efficient work being done to prepare for the Pope’s possible visit to Timor-Leste”.