Dili, August 05, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Vatican Representative Comes to Timor-Leste, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson Visits the Archive and Museum of Timorese Resistance.
The Special Representative of the Vatican to Timor-Leste, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, visited the Archive and Museum of Timorese Resistance, Public Institute, on Tuesday (04/08), to see and better understand the history of the Timorese people’s resistance struggle during the occupation period, and to show appreciation for the historical heritage and national memory that the country preserves.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson said that today he came here to visit the Archive and Museum of Timorese Resistance, P.I., to closely see the history of Timor-Leste and also because this place keeps documents, archives, and photographs that record the struggle for Timor-Leste’s national liberation.
“Today we made a visit to this place and have great appreciation for the wisdom and courage of the Timorese people during the dark times, because this place preserves and archives the history of Timor-Leste,” said Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson after visiting the Museum of Timorese Resistance, on Tuesday (04/08).
He said this place preserves the history and memory of the Timorese resistance struggle, and this is very important not only for the generations of Timor-Leste to know their roots, but also as a witness to the world about justice, human rights, and peace.
“This visit also further strengthens the close and strong relationship between the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and the Nation of Timor-Leste, especially by remembering again the important role that the Church contributed during the time of struggle, because memory and history from the past are the path to a future with peace and love,” he said.
At the same place, Executive Director Jorge Alves informed that today AMRT.P.I. honors and highly respects the representative of the Holy See, whose visit becomes a historic moment because the Cardinal entered the “sacred house of Timorese Resistance”, the place that guards the memory of a people who suffered but did not give up.
“We also express our deep gratitude for Cardinal Turkson’s presence, to underline that the Catholic Church had a fundamental and very historic role in the Timorese people’s struggle for self-determination,” said Executive Director Jorge Alves.
He said AMRT is not only a place to store objects, but is a “dwelling place” or sanctuary of the memories of the Timorese people, a place that keeps documents, photographs, and stories of the struggle to teach the new generation about the sacrifices of the struggle for self-determination.
“The visit by the representative of the Holy See gives spiritual strength and provides moral support to this institution, to continue its mission to collect, manage, and share the true history with the public and the world. This visit is also a symbol of the strong relationship that has long existed between the Vatican and Timor-Leste, especially in the context of valuing peace, justice, and memory of the heroes. In this house we guard the story of a people who faced persecution but did not lose faith, of a people who faced death, but continued to believe in freedom,” he said.
Because of this, everyone must recognize the important role of the Catholic Church during the years of occupation, when many could not speak, the Church spoke. When the people faced persecution, the Church opened its doors. Priests, Nuns, Catechists, and Lay people became places of refuge and gave counsel, protection, and hope to families.
“The history of Timor-Leste’s liberation cannot be told without recognizing the role of the Catholic Church,” and this is why His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson left a message written in the guest book as follows:
“On this day, 03/08/2026, I made my first visit to Timor-Leste. I came with great admiration, humility, and respect for the heroes, the martyrs, and everyone. I pray to God for peace in this land, for freedom and prosperity, and for a great spirit of fraternity. May God bless the Government and the People of Timor-Leste.” He concluded.
Report By: Media Democracia Trainee
Photo: Media Democracia Trainee