DILI, 04 July 2026 (TATOLI) – Portugal’s President, António José Seguro, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Portuguese Jesuit priest Father João Felgueiras, paying tribute to the missionary who devoted more than five decades of his life to serving the people of Timor-Leste.
In a message of condolence, Seguro said he received the news of Father Felgueiras’ death “with sadness and dismay.” He noted that he had recently congratulated the priest on his 105th birthday.
The Portuguese president praised Father Felgueiras’ lifelong commitment to the Timorese people, particularly during some of the country’s most difficult periods.
He praised the Jesuit missionary’s unwavering commitment, faith and courage, saying his work upheld human dignity and humanitarian values.
Seguro also highlighted Father Felgueiras’ contributions to education and the promotion of the Portuguese language, with particular reference to the Amigos de Jesus School in Dili. He said the priest also played an important role in strengthening the longstanding friendship between Portugal and Timor-Leste, a contribution recognized through state honours awarded by both countries.
The president said he was confident that Father Felgueiras’ legacy and message of hope would endure. He extended his deepest condolences to the Society of Jesus, the priest’s family and his many friends in both Portugal and Timor-Leste.
TATOLI
