DILI, 24 June 2026 (TATOLI) — A requiem Mass for former President Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo” will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Dili Cathedral and will be presided over by Bishop Leandro Maria Alves of the Diocese of Baucau, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, head of the Catholic Church in Timor-Leste, announced on Tuesday.
The announcement came during a tribute ceremony for the former head of state attended by Catholic leaders in Farol, Dili.
Cardinal Virgílio said Lú-Olo’s family had requested that he preside over the requiem Mass, but he would be unable to do so as he is scheduled to travel to Rome on June 24 following an invitation from Pope Leo XIV to attend a meeting chaired by the pontiff.
The tribute ceremony was also attended by Bishop Leandro Maria Alves and Bishop Norberto do Amaral of the Diocese of Maliana, along with other members of the clergy.
Cardinal Virgílio expressed the sorrow felt by the Timorese people, particularly the country’s Catholic community, following the death of the former president.
Speaking on behalf of the Catholic Church, he thanked Lú-Olo for his contributions during the struggle for independence and throughout the process of building the Timorese state.
“We all have an obligation to recognize and appreciate the work he carried out for the nation. We are here to pray for him and for his family, especially his wife and children, during this time of grief,” the Cardinal said.
Cardinal Virgílio said Lú-Olo leaves behind an important legacy for Timor-Leste through both his role in the national liberation struggle and his contributions to the country’s development following the restoration of independence.
He said the former president’s dedication to the nation would continue to be remembered by future generations as part of Timor-Leste’s history and state-building journey.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Filomeno Martins
