Dili, April 24, 2025 (Media Democracia) – The Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN), through its Secretary-General Marí Alkatiri, expressed deep sorrow in a press statement regarding the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, describing it as a great loss for Timor-Leste and humanity as a whole.
The press statement also emphasized, “Timor-Leste Must Continue Pope Francis’ Struggle for Equality.”
The statement expressed the profound sadness felt by FRETILIN upon receiving news from the Vatican about Pope Francis’ death news that came as a blow to both FRETILIN and the expectations of the Timorese people.
“Because Pope Francis made a public appearance on Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, people remained hopeful that although he seemed weak, he would resume his role as leader of the Catholic Church and continue inspiring the world not to forget the poor and marginalized,” stated the FRETILIN Secretary-General in the press release accessed by Media Democracia on 22 April 2025.
For this reason, FRETILIN views the Pope’s death as a major loss not only for Timor-Leste but also for all of humanity.
“During his recent visit to Timor-Leste, the Pope called on national leaders to prioritize the well-being of all citizens, not just a privileged few, and urged them not to exclude or oppress poor and marginalized Timorese people in the pursuit of true social justice in our country,” said Marí Alkatiri.
The FRETILIN President also recalled that during Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste, the Pope encouraged both citizens and leaders to promote a better life for all, emphasizing social justice, unity, peace, and reconciliation, as well as care for the environment for the benefit of future generations.
“Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste not only reaffirmed the faith of Timor-Leste’s Catholic community but also conveyed a vision of Timor-Leste as a place where all people can feel self-governed, live with dignity, and where elected leaders are expected to serve and uplift the people out of poverty, ignorance, and hardship, based on the values FRETILIN established in 1974,” stated FRETILIN President Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo.
The President further noted that Pope Francis left this world at a time when it is facing major challenges.
“The world is facing great challenges in securing a decent life for all, but I believe that Pope Francis’ passing will unite and strengthen the people of Timor-Leste in continuing the struggles that will make Timor-Leste more prosperous and the world a better place,” he concluded.
In 2020, while serving as President of the Republic, the current FRETILIN President invited Pope Francis to visit Timor-Leste. The invitation received a positive response, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the visit was postponed until 2024. This visit marked the first by a Pope since Timor-Leste restored its independence.
Pope Francis’ visit took place from 9 to 11 September 2024, coinciding with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of FRETILIN’s founding.
Report : Estefania
Photo : Estefania