DILI, 17 February 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, honors Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Nunciature of the Holy See in Timor-Leste, with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, in a solemn ceremony at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
Monsignor Sprizzi’s distinguished diplomatic career spans over two decades serving the Holy See in Brazil, the United States, India, Nepal, Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, and most recently as Resident Chargé d’Affairs in Timor-Leste since January 2019.
During his six-year tenure in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Sprizzi has worked tirelessly and efficiently to implement the Concordat signed between Timor-Leste and the Holy See in 2015.
Sprizzi’s key achievements include: securing long-term visas for missionaries; culminating in the approval of a specific law that grants five-year residence permits to religious personnel; establishing transparency and accountability in the annual state contributions to the Church, with comprehensive financial reporting; securing legal recognition for the juridical personality of dioceses, parishes, and religious congregations in Timor-Leste; implementing the registration system for Catholic weddings with civil authorities; supporting the establishment of the Catholic University of Timor-Leste; creating ecclesiastical tribunals as outlined in the Concordat; Determining the appointment of the new Bishop of Baucau. Distributing approximately $12 million for projects benefiting the Timorese people; leading the approval of guidelines for the protection of minors from abuses in the church; leading the construction of the beautiful new Apostolic Nunciature building in Dili; coordinating the historic first apostolic visit of Pope Francisco to Timor-Leste in September 2024 that brought Timor-Leste to global attention.
The Order of Timor-Leste, the nation’s highest honor, was awarded to Monsignor Sprizzi in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and the Holy See, and his significant humanitarian efforts that have benefited countless Timorese citizens.
“Monsignor Sprizzi has been not just a diplomatic representative, but a true friend to Timor-Leste and its people,” stated President Ramos-Horta. “His tireless efforts in strengthening the bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and the Holy See, particularly his work in implementing the Concordat, for the services he has provided have benefited countless Timorese citizens over the years have been invaluable to our nation. Most recent through Monsignor Sprizzi leadership, Timor-Leste has made a historic in the global map with the historic first apostolic visit of Pope Francisco to Timor-Leste, Monsignor Sprizzi legacy of service, transparency, and dedication will remain long after his departure. In recognition of his tireless mission that the State recognizes his extraordinary contributions with our highest honor.”
The relationship between Timor-Leste and the Holy See has been exceptionally strong since before independence, beginning with Pope John Paul II’s historic visit in 1989. Following independence, the Holy See established diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste, culminating in the signing of the Concordat in 2015. This comprehensive international treaty governs cooperation in numerous sectors, including education, social services, missionary visas, chaplaincy services for hospitals and prisons, universities, religious education in schools, cultural heritage, tax exemptions, and customs matters. On February 28, 2025, the Bishops’ Conference and the Office of the Prime Minister signed an Annual Agreement regarding the state’s contribution to the Bishops’ Conference for education, civil social services, and internal governance of the church.
Upon reflecting on his time in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Sprizzi expressed profound gratitude: “After six years, I will leave Timor-Leste feeling greatly enriched. I have received more than I could give, especially in terms of humanity and personal relationships. The warmth, smile, and the remarkable example of reconciliation, identity, and dignity of the Timorese people have profoundly touched me. I will carry this sense of representation of a people and nation that I love. The unity of the Timorese people is something unique that I will always share with others I meet, proudly praising Timor-Leste.”
Monsignor Sprizzi will depart Timor-Leste on March 8, 2025, to assume his new position as President of the Labor Office of the Holy See.
TATOLI
