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Press Release
Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 22nd 2025
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decreed National Mourning throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, as a sign of condolences for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The period of national mourning begins at 10 a.m. on April 22nd and ends at midnight on April 28th.
During the period of National Mourning, the National Flag must be kept at half-mast or half-halyard in all public buildings, including embassies, consulates and other State representations abroad, as well as on State vessels.
His Holiness, Pope Francis, passed away on April 21st, 2025, at 7.35 a.m. at his residence in Vatican City.
The government assumes that “it is the duty of the State, on behalf of the Timorese people, to show a deep sense of gratitude and recognition by paying a well-deserved tribute to this great Leader of the Catholic Church”.
In a statement issued yesterday, April 21st, the government, on behalf of itself and the Timorese, expressed its “heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals, the Argentine people and all the faithful around the world,” for the “passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a spiritual leader of inestimable impact on humanity, tireless defender of the most vulnerable and promoter of peace, justice and fraternity among peoples. “END