Timor-Leste continues to pay tribute to the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st, 2025, at his residence in Vatican City. The national mourning, decreed by the Council of Ministers at its extraordinary meeting on April 22nd, will last until midnight of April 28th, with the national flag flying at half-mast in all public buildings. 
On Saturday, April 26th, the day of the Holy Father’s funeral ceremony, a solemn mass will be held in Tasi Tolu from 6pm, organized as an expression of gratitude and a final tribute to Pope Francis. The venue, which hosted the historic Eucharistic celebration of his apostolic visit to Timor-Leste in September 2024, will now once again bring together the Timorese Catholic community in a gesture of communion and faith. As a reminder of the Holy Father’s visit, the Church is asking the faithful to wear white dress during the celebration. 
The Government of Timor-Leste will be represented at the funeral ceremonies at the Vatican by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, who will accompany the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta. Timor-Leste will also be represented by Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, Archbishop of Dili, a member of the College of Cardinals and one of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote in the election of the future Pope. 
Following the passing of His Holiness, the Government issued a statement of condolences, expressing that “it was with great consternation and deep regret that Timor-Leste received the news of the death 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.” The Government Spokesman and Minister for the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, said that the Pope’s visit “was much more than just a visit. It was a profound encounter with people who have suffered so much to gain their freedom and independence. The Holy Father arrived in Timor-Leste and conquered the hearts and souls of a nation, leaving a powerful message: that the Timorese people transform their faith into their culture – and they have succeeded. A culture of reconciliation, tolerance and forgiveness. The culture of a people who place the values of peace, harmony and solidarity at the highest level of their existence. Our people will be eternally grateful for the Holy Father’s efforts in granting us this meeting – this sacred union.” “On behalf of the Timorese government and people,” he added,” we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals, the people of Argentina and all the faithful throughout the world.” 
The members of the 9th Constitutional Government also paid personal tribute to the Supreme Pontiff by going to the Episcopal Residence in Lecidere on April 22nd to sign the book of condolence. This symbolic gesture was intended to reiterate, on behalf of the Timorese people, their appreciation for the life and work of His Holiness. 
Throughout the country, there have been many manifestations of homage. The faithful gathered in prayer in their parishes and at the Monument of Our Lady in Lecidere, where daily Masses have been held since April 22nd. Other parishes and communities in different municipalities are also celebrating Eucharists in honor of Pope Francis, spiritually joining the ceremonies in the Vatican. 
In one of his last international visits, Pope Francis visited Timor-Leste between September 9th to 11th, 2024, in what was a historic apostolic visit. His presence mobilized hundreds of thousands of faithful, with the mass in Tasi Tolu, with around 600,000 participants, being one of the most remarkable moments. During his stay, the Holy Father left a message of hope and unity, highlighting the role of youth and the appreciation of the cultural and spiritual values of the Timorese people. 
As a sign of gratitude, after his return to Rome, Pope Francis addressed a letter of thanks to the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, expressing “deep gratitude for the warm welcome and support provided” during his visit. “Having returned to Rome with a happy heart for the days I spent in Timor-Leste, I come to reiterate my gratitude to the Prime Minister and, through him, to all those who in one way or another contributed to making my Apostolic Journey to that nation possible and fruitful,” wrote the Pontiff, expressing his joy for the days spent in the country. 
At its meeting on April 23rd, the Council of Ministers decided to designate the Ministry of State Administration as the department responsible for coordinating with the Timorese Episcopal Conference the organization of the tribute ceremonies on behalf of the government. This decision aims to ensure that the ceremonies are dignified and representative of the Timorese people’s deep appreciation for His Holiness Pope Francis.