Archbishop of Dili, Virgílio do Carmo da Silva departed for Vatican

DILI, 22 august 2022 (TATOLI)- Archbishop of Dili, Virgílio do Carmo da Silva departed today for the Vatican to receive the red hat on august 27 together with 20 new cardinals whose names were on the list of Pope Francis’ new Cardinals.

Archbishop, Carmo, said that the purpose of him leaving Timor-Leste for Rome was to participate in the elevation ceremony of the new Cardinals that will take place on 27 August 2022 at the Vatican/Rome.

“We all know that I have been named by the Pope along with other new Cardinals a few months ago, therefore, today I am leaving for Rome to participate in the consistory ceremony which will be held on 27 August 2022,” Archbishop, Carmo, told TATOLI at the Nicolau Lobato International Airport, Comoro Dili.

Archbishop, Carmo, explained that the delegation would arrive in Rome on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th and would meet with the Timorese priesthood in Rome, while on the 27th will receive the inauguration from Pope Francis to become the new Cardinal.

“We will receive the baptism from Pope Francisco as a new cardinal on 27 August 2022 to carry out the Catholic mission in Timor – Leste and in the world through the grace of the Lord, after taking the oath as the Roman Catholic top officials Pope Francis will hold a meeting with all cardinals on 29 to 30 to discuss the mission of the Catholic church that will be accomplished in proclaiming the word of God to the people in the world,” Archbishop Carmo said.

Archbishop Carmo added that on the same day will attend the ASIA Cardinals meeting to discuss the cooperation between all the Cardinals in ASEAN.

“I will also meet with all ASIA Cardinals to discuss the cooperation between all the Cardinal from ASIA to perform the church duty at the International and ASIA level,”

Archbishop Carmo is the first Timorese Cardinal and one of six new cardinals from Asia — five archbishops and one bishop. After taking the Oath as the first Cardinal of Timor-Leste, Archbishop Carmo will lead the mass for Timorese living in Rome on the 31st of August.

According to the agenda, Archbishop Carmo will return to Timor-Leste on September 5 and Continue with the celebration of the thanksgiving mass with the Catholic Community in Tasi Tolu at 03:00 Pm.

Journalist: Camilio de Sousa

Editor: Nelia Borges