Pope tells Timorese: 'Make wise decisions to provide prosperity and peace to all families and countries'

Pope Francis urged the people of Timor Leste to make wise decisions and deliver prosperity and peace to all families before the May 21 parliamentary election. 

The Pope conveyed the message to Cardinal Virgilio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, Bishop Dom Noberto do Amaral of Maliana, and Bishop-elect of Baucau, Leandro Maria Alves, in a special meeting held at the Vatican on May 6. 

“I wish you all well when you have to choose to make decisions, I believe that you know how to make good decisions to bring prosperity and peace to all families and countries,” the Pope said. 

The Pope praised the Timorese Bishops who made their ad limina visits (every five years) and reported to him on the situation of Catholics in Timor Leste.

“Dear brothers and sisters in Timor Leste, I have met your Bishops here, and they are very bright, and they tell me about the Christian life, how you work, and how you try to be better like strong people,” Pope Francis said. 

The pontiff also asked all people of Timor Leste to instill human and family values within themselves by God's grace. 

“First, I wish to convey peace to all of you. Before getting peace, instill in yourself values such as humanity, kinship, and especially living in harmony. Because the perfect harmony of the Grace of God, which is given to you, moves forward,” said the Pope.

As previously reported, the pope's message on peace aligns with the bishop of Timor Leste's call for political leaders to promote peace and maintain stability as the country prepares for a tense general election on May 21.