DILI, 25 Apeil 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, arrived in Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 88.
The President’s aircraft landed at Fiumicino Airport, where the President was received by Vatican diplomatic representatives and Italian officials.
Horta showed great sadness for the Pope’s passing and highlighted the special relationship between predominantly Catholic Timor-Leste and the Holy See.
Pope Francis became a symbol of compassion and hope for the world, and particularly for the people of Timor-Leste.
The President will join world leaders who are expected to attend the funeral ceremony at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, which Vatican officials anticipate will be one of the largest gatherings of world dignitaries in recent years.
President Horta is one of three Timorese leaders attending the ceremony. The other two are Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, the Cardinal of Timor-Leste, and Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
