DILI, 12 february 2024 (TATOLI) – The Papal Nuncio to Timor-Leste, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, believes that Pope Francis’ visit to the country, which is scheduled for august this year, is a pastoral mission.
According to Sprizzi, Pope Francis wants to get to know the Timorese people, whom he says he holds in very high esteem.
“The Pope’s message will be an evangelical one, and he also wants to get to know the suffering and needs of the people, as well as the progress of the country,” said Sprizzi after meeting with the Head of State, José Ramos Horta, at the Presidential Palace, in Dili.
Sprizzi emphasized that the date of the visit will be announced by the Holy See, saying he can’t be the one to reveal the date.
He said that the Timorese Catholic Church and the government have already begun the preparation process for Pope Francis’ first visit to the country.
“On behalf of the Holy See, I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, and the ministers for the enormous, excellent, competent, and efficient work that is being done to prepare for the Holy Father’s visit,” he said.
The Monsignor also said that the Holy See’s biggest concerns for Pope Francis’ visit are the issues of “security and health, as well as guaranteeing the transport of the faithful to the place where the Holy Father will celebrate Mass.”
Asked about the refurbishment of the VIP lounge at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Manetelu, said that a public tender could be launched or the work could be awarded to a company.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
