Dili, April 23, 2025 (Media Democracia) – Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva held a press conference before departing for the Vatican to attend the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva stated that, like all the faithful, he learned through social media the heartbreaking news that deeply saddened the world, the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, whose pilgrimage on earth has now come to an end.
“Yesterday afternoon, I received a letter from the Dean of Cardinals inviting all cardinals to gather for a meeting at the Vatican. The meeting is scheduled to begin today according to Italian time, at 9 a.m., but since we are far away and unable to make it on time, this morning I received another urgent message from Mr. Marco requesting that I travel to the Vatican as soon as possible. Fortunately, the preparations for the trip are complete, and everything has gone smoothly. So, today, Tuesday, I will begin my journey, and by Thursday, I will already be at the Vatican to attend the gathering of Cardinals, as requested. That is the purpose of my trip to Rome,” explained Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva during the press conference.
The Cardinal further explained that the primary purpose of his trip is to attend the funeral ceremony, the schedule for which has not yet been officially announced by the Vatican. The second purpose is to respond to the invitation extended by the Dean of Cardinals, who has called all cardinals to gather in preparation for the election of a new Pope to succeed Pope Francis. Therefore, this upcoming meeting will be attended by all cardinals.
“Message arrived to all Timorese Catholic faithful, both here and abroad, is this: yesterday, when the news reached the ears of Timorese people, there was initial disbelief, but once verified, we saw that the faithful everywhere expressed spontaneous reactions of deep sorrow and longing for His Holiness Pope Francis. Early this morning at Lecidere, the faithful gathered in prayer. At Tasi-Tolu, Catholics came together to light candles on the altar and offer prayers, showing their heartfelt grief. Through this, the faithful have truly shown their love and deep sadness over the passing of Pope Francis, who passed away yesterday afternoon at his residence in the Vatican,” the Cardinal added.
He also expressed hope that the Dioceses of Baucau and Maliana, along with Catholics in other municipalities, would gather to offer prayers for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He reminded everyone that even though the news was first learned through the media, the faithful continue to lift their prayers for His Holiness.
Reported by : Domingas
Photo by : Domingas