DILI, 17 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The President and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, through the Social Communications Service (SKS), announced the winners of a national video competition held on Tuesday to celebrate the first historic Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Francisco to Timor-Leste.
The winners were recognized in a ceremony at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The competition invited Timorese citizens, particularly the youth, to artistically express the faith, hope, and national spirit witnessed during the Holy Father’s momentous visit from September 9 to 11, 2024.
The winning short documentaries were selected from a wide pool of submissions for their creativity, technical skill, and authentic portrayal of the theme, “May Your Faith Be Your Culture,” highlighting the Pope’s messages of peace, compassion, and unity.
The winners of the video competition are as follows:
• 1st Place ($1,700): Zino Pinto, for the film “Amo Papa Francisco”
• 2nd Place ($1,600): Virginia dos Santos, for the film “Furak ne’ebe Timor iha mak nia Povu sira”
• 3rd Place ($1,500: Ferderick Lopez, for the film “Que a Vossa Fé Seja a Vossa Cultura”
• 4th Place ($1,400): Justiniano L.C. Maria, for the film “Papa Francisco”
• 5th Place ($1,300): Novai Magno, for the film “Papa nia vizita sai hanesan esperansa bo’ot ba sarani Timor”
President Ramos-Horta commended the participants for their exceptional work. President stated, “These videos are more than just recordings; they are a living testament to the faith and unity that defines our nation. You have captured the soul of Timor-Leste and the transformative spirit of Pope Francisco’s pilgrimage. You have given us a permanent, powerful record of a historic chapter in our country’s story.”
The competition successfully harnessed the power of art and media to perpetuate the values of faith, peace, and solidarity inspired by the visit.
The Presidency also presented certificates of appreciation to all participants in the competition. The winning videos will be featured on the official Presidential website and national broadcaster platforms, allowing the nation and the world to re-live these inspirational moments.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
