Dili, May 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, has conveyed a message to His Holiness the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who succeeds Pope Francis.
Horta stated that the people of Timor-Leste, as devout Catholics, have been attentively following the election of the new Pope by the College of Cardinals in Rome, which took place yesterday, leading to the selection of a new Holy Father to succeed the late Pope Francis.
“The new Pope is an American citizen from the city of Chicago, and he has taken the name Leo XIV. We all hold hope and confidence that he will continue the mission undertaken by the late Pope Francis in the world, including in Timor-Leste, fighting for the poor, the marginalized, and for a just global economy. Pope Francis spoke strongly about the war in Gaza and the situation in Myanmar, and with the same moral force, Pope Leo XIV is expected to continue this mission for the entire world,” said President José Ramos-Horta.
Horta emphasized that although the Pope is not a political figure nor a head of state engaged in politics, his messages about peace and solidarity with the poor in nations currently experiencing conflict are of great importance. That is why whoever occupies the Chair of Saint Peter in Rome must act accordingly.
“It is important to have an ethical and moral leadership that can serve as inspiration, and such leadership can come from holiness. I believe Pope Leo XIV, who was close to Pope Francis and shares similar experiences, will be able to carry forward this mission for the world,” President Horta added.
He reaffirmed that Pope Francis, who came from Argentina, deeply understood the issues of poverty, just as Pope Leo XIV, who spent two decades in Peru, is believed to be equally familiar with the struggles and hardships faced by the poor and marginalized. In the face of today’s many global problems, the President expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV will be able to share messages of strength and hope as the new Pope for the world, and that he will continue to care for Catholics around the world, including in Timor-Leste.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Media Officer PR