DILI, 10 october 2024 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste spent more than US$9 million on activities related to the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the country.
According to the government’s preliminary report, presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, of the US$12 million allocated for the preparation of the papal visit, the government only managed to spend more than US$9 million.
The preliminary report was analyzed by the Council of Ministers at an extraordinary meeting held on Thursday at the Government Palace in Dili.
“At its meeting on February 28th, 2024, the Council of Ministers authorised expenditure of up to US$12 million for the Coordinating Committee for the Organisation of the Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, which took place from September 9th to 11th, 2024. Of this amount, US$9,978,658.12 was spent, resulting in a positive balance of US$2,021,341.12, which will be returned to the State Treasury,” said in a statement.
The Timorese Episcopal Conference (CET), through the Church Coordinating Commission team, will hold an internal evaluation meeting on november 23rd, 2024. The Joint Commission, comprised of the Government, the Church team, and the Holy See representative in Timor-Leste, will conclude its activities on december 21st, 2024, when the Holy See representative and the local Church will transmit an official message from the Vatican.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins