Dili, June 25, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Catholic Church leaders in Timor-Leste, consisting of Dom Virgílio Cardinal do Carmo da Silva, Dom Leandro Maria Alves and Dom Norberto do Amaral, on Tuesday paid their final tribute to the late Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo at his residence in Farol, Dili. The tribute showed the Catholic Church’s respect and solidarity for the national leader who contributed greatly to the liberation struggle and development of Timor-Leste.
Bishop of the Dili Diocese, Dom Virgílio Cardinal do Carmo da Silva said, on behalf of the Church of Timor-Leste he expressed gratitude for the late leader’s sacrifice, from the struggle in the mountains until self-determination and Timor-Leste’s independence. He continued to dedicate himself to building this nation.
“We, the three of us together with the priests, came in the name of the Church first to thank him, thank him for all the sacrifices he made for this land until self-determination. Even after we became independent, all the work he carried to continue building this land, this nation. So we have an obligation to thank him for all the sacrifices he has made for us.” said Dom Virgílio Cardinal do Carmo da Silva at the late Francisco Lú-Olo’s residence in Farol, Dili, (23/6/2026).
Besides paying tribute to the late Francisco Guterres, they also prayed for the family he left behind, his widow and children, so they would stay courageous.
“Second, we also came to pray together, remembering that especially at a time like this when his wife and four children have truly lost their father at a very difficult time. But our presence here shows our solidarity, especially by praying for them so that in the midst of hardship they will also remain strong to face this moment in their lives.” Dom Virgílio said.
Meanwhile, the funeral Mass for the late Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo” will be led by Bishop of Baucau Diocese, Dom Leandro Maria Alves at the Dili Cathedral on the 26th.
“Now about the funeral Mass, because today the family also asked us, we’ve already decided that the Bishop of Baucau will preside over this Mass on Friday at the Cathedral. I won’t be able to because tomorrow I’m traveling to Rome because there’s a meeting with the Holy Father who invited us to a meeting in Rome. So tomorrow I have to go. But as the Church, the three of us have already come now. Father Dom Leandro together with other priests who are available are ready to celebrate the final Mass on Friday at 11:30 at the Cathedral.” he concluded.
Reporting: Tomás dos Santos
Photo: Tomás dos Santos