DILI, 12 december 2024 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta awarded the prestigious Medal of Merit to twelve national media outlets for their exceptional coverage of His Holiness Pope Francis’s first Apostolic Visit to Timor-Leste from september 9-11, 2024. The ceremony was held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The Medal of Merit, established under Decree Law No. 15/2009, recognizes outstanding contributions to strengthening social order and promoting national peace and stability. The honored media outlets demonstrated exemplary professionalism in their comprehensive coverage of the Papal Visit, sharing this momentous occasion with the world while documenting the deep faith of the Timorese people.
“The thorough and professional coverage provided by our state and private media during Pope Francis’s visit demonstrated not only the historic significance of this occasion but also the exceptional competence and dedication of our nation’s journalists,” President Horta said. “Their work ensures that this momentous event is preserved for future generations and shared both nationally and internationally.”
The following national media outlets that received the Medal of Merit and certificates of recognition:
- Radio and Television of Timor-Leste, Public Company (RTTL, E.P.)
- Tatoli News Agency, I.P.
- National Media Group (GMN)
- Timor Education Television (TVET)
- Voice of East-Timor (STL)
- Timor Post Daily
- Independent Jornal
- Dili Post
- SMNews
- Hatutan.com
- Video Information Provider (VIP TV)
- Lafaek News
During the ceremony, the Heas of State also presented awards to the winners of the Papal Visit to Timor-Leste photo competition. The winners are: First Prize (USD 1,250): Lirio da Fonseca, Second Prize (USD 1,150): Eugenio Pereira da Silva Third Prize (USD 950): Antonieta Freitas Sequeira, Fourth Prize (USD 850): Eugenio Pereira da Silva, and Fifth Prize (USD 750): Lirio da Fonseca
Following the awards presentation, President Ramos-Horta inaugurated a photo exhibition at the Papa Francisco Hall. The exhibition documents His Holiness Pope Francisco’s First Apostolic Visit to Timor-Leste and includes the winning photographs. The Photo Exhibition will be open to the public from December 13-20, 2024, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
