DILI, 23 july 2021 (TATOLI) – The Vatican Apostolic Nuncio to Timor-Leste, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, met today with the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, to convey Pope Francis’s message of gratitude for amendment to the Migration and Asylum Law, mainly by granting visas to foreign missionaries in Timor-Leste.
“I brought the message of gratitude from the Holy Father for the approval of the amendment to the Migration and Asylum Law, which allows the granting of visas to foreign missionaries who come to serve the Timorese people, giving them a temporary residence permit for five years in the country”, said Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, in statements to journalists, after meeting the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, at the Lighthouse.
The Vatican representative also informed the Head of Government about the intention of the Holy Father’s visit to Timor-Leste, which could take place next year.
“The Pope intends and wishes to visit Timor-Leste, if the epidemiological situation allows it. We hope that the visit will take place in the first month of next year”, he said.
Monsignor Marco Sprizzi therefore asked the entire population to take the vaccine against covid-19 so that sanitary conditions allow for the gatherings during the Pope’s visit.
During the meeting, the creation of a Catholic University in Timor-Leste was also discussed. According to Marco Sprizzi, the Catholic University aims to improve the quality of higher education in the country.
In addition, the official said that the Vatican supports the efforts of the Timorese Government in the fight against the spread of covid-19.
It is recalled that the Timorese deputies approved, on may 10, the first amendment to the Migration and Asylum Law, with 42 votes in favors, zero against and three abstentions.
Journalist: José Belarmino de Sá
Editor: Rafy Belo
