Dili, April 25, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Affairs of the Archdiocese of Dili, represented by Fr. Juvito, who is currently overseeing the Archdiocese of Dili in the absence of the Cardinal, together with the Ministry of State Administration representing the Government of Timor-Leste, held a press conference this week regarding the funeral mass for His Holiness Pope Francis, which will be held in Dili. This press conference was held on Wednesday.
Fr. Juvito R. de J. Araújo, the Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Affairs of the Archdiocese of Dili, stated during the press conference that the announcement was to inform the public about the schedule for the funeral mass in honor of the late Pope Francis and his passing into eternal life.
“I would like to inform the public that the funeral mass for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Tasi-Tolu. We also apologize to all the faithful, as initially it was planned to be held on Sunday, but we received the official communication from the Vatican that the funeral mass in Rome will be held at 10:00 AM on April 26,” said Fr. Juvito R. de J. Araújo.
He added that the Church, together with the Ministry of State Administration, wanted to show that just as during Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste the government and the Church worked hand in hand to welcome him, now they are once again working together to commemorate his departure to the Father’s house.
“The government and the Church will cooperate to ensure this event runs smoothly, as it reflects the continued love and reverence of all Catholics in Timor-Leste for Pope Francis, who, despite his physical limitations, made the great effort to visit us before returning to the Father’s eternal home,” he said.
He affirmed that for this event, all faithful are invited to attend the mass to unite spiritually with the Holy Father in his new journey to eternal life. The celebration will follow a protocol established by the Ministry of State Administration.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State Administration (MAE), Tomás Cabral, confirmed that the government will continue collaborating with the Catholic Church to organize the funeral mass for Pope Francis at Tasi-Tolu on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
“During this funeral mass celebration at Tasi-Tolu, police will be responsible for organizing and controlling the entrance of attendees. They will also manage all transportation in order to avoid congestion, as we all understand that without control, it could negatively impact all the faithful who wish to attend this important mass,” said Minister Tomás Cabral.
He further noted that media outlets will contribute significantly by providing live broadcasts, so that those in other municipalities who cannot attend in person may still participate in the celebration via live stream.
To be concluded that the funeral mass for Pope Francis will be held at Tasi-Tolu on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and called on all the faithful to cooperate with the authorities to maintain order so that the mass can be celebrated with peace, unity, and stability in our beloved land.
Report : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano