The National Parliament hosted today, April 25th, a Solemn Session of Posthumous Homage to His Holiness Pope Francis, in the presence of members of the National Parliament and the 9th Constitutional Government, in recognition of the spiritual, moral and humanist legacy of the Supreme Pontiff, whose life was dedicated to the promotion of peace, fraternity and justice in the world. 
During the session, a vote of condolence for the death of the Holy Father was unanimously approved, which the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, considered to be a “magnificent gesture by this National Parliament”, “thus setting an example to the world of the Timorese commitment to fraternity and peace.”
In its vote of condolence, the National Parliament, on behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, expresses “immense gratitude for the pontificate of the Holy Father, for his 12 years of dedicated service to the Church and humanity, and we raise our prayers for the eternal repose of his soul, confident that his legacy will continue to guide us in the development of our nation”. It is also emphasized that “Pope Francis left an eternal mark on our nation, through his presence, his simplicity, his embrace of our people. His visit in September 2024 will remain engraved in our history as one of the greatest moments of grace and national joy, when crowds gathered to welcome the one who represented not only the leadership of the Catholic Church but also values perfectly aligned with our own culture: humility, courage, compassion and solidarity with the weak and oppressed.” 
The President of the National Parliament, Maria Fernanda Lay, expressed in her speech that “Timor-Leste holds in its soul the embrace of Pope Francis, the embrace that was not just a gesture, but a blessing that will forever be inscribed in our history and engraved in the history of each one present here, who had the honor and the opportunity to feel it”. She also stated that “the memory of Pope Francis continues to inspire us in Timor-Leste and that his words continue to guide us in the construction of a society where everyone, everyone, everyone can find their place and be happy”.
All parliamentary groups took the floor to express their condolences and pay tribute to Pope Francis, highlighting the relevance of his pontificate in contemporary history and his tireless defense of peace, human dignity and social justice. 
In his speech, the Head of Government highlighted the unique figure of His Holiness, evoking his role as a spiritual leader and a firm voice for the construction of a more just world. Quoting the encyclical Laudato Si’, he stated: “Nothing in this world is indifferent to us”! A message that, in the words of the Prime Minister, reflects “the authenticity and, at the same time, the greatness of His Holiness”, who, “in this world of global indifference, knew how to call for a more peaceful and just world, a more supportive and fraternal world, where we are all truly brothers and sisters and loved, regardless of our nationality, color, gender, political or religious beliefs, or even our life paths”.
Xanana Gusmão also highlighted that “the Holy Father also had the greatness to, with courage and wisdom, raise the sense of hope in humanity that it is possible to build a better world, where ‘Everyone, Everyone, everyone’ is worthy of participating.” 
The Prime Minister also highlighted the profound thinking of Pope Francis, reflected in landmark documents such as the encyclical Laudato Si’, which advocates an integral ecology and a policy at the service of the common good, and the Declaration of Human Fraternity, signed in 2019 with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, as an inspiring milestone for interreligious dialogue and global reconciliation. “Timor-Leste endorses unity and the values of peace, also among religions, which are so important to heal the violence and war that plague the world,” he stressed.
The Head of Government recalled with emotion the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to Dili, in September 2024, considering it “a great joy and a great inspiration for our people and, in particular, for our young people”. He also highlighted the profound impact that this visit had on the collective soul of the Timorese people. 
Xanana Gusmão expressed his “deepest condolences to the College of Cardinals, the Catholic Church and all its faithful, as well as to all those who, even if not Catholic, feel this immense loss of our beloved Grandfather, who has gone to his eternal life to rest in peace”.
As an expression of mourning and respect for the memory of His Holiness, the Council of Ministers decreed, at its Extraordinary Meeting of April 22, 2025, National Mourning throughout the territory, until midnight on April 28.
On Saturday, April 26, the date of the Holy Father’s funeral, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated in Tasi Tolu, starting at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony, organized as an expression of gratitude and final tribute, will take place in the same place that hosted the historic Eucharistic celebration during the Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste, bringing together once again the Timorese Catholic community in a gesture of communion, faith and profound gratitude.