President honors Monsignor Marco Sprizzi in Timor-Leste with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste

President J. Ramos-Horta honored Monsignor Marco Sprizzi, Chargé d’affaires of the Nunciature of the Holy See in Timor-Leste, with the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste in a solemn ceremony at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace, Dili, on February 28.

The Order of Timor-Leste, the nation’s highest honor, was awarded to Monsignor Sprizzi in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and the Holy See and his significant humanitarian efforts that have benefited countless Timorese citizens.

Monsignor Sprizzi’s distinguished diplomatic career spans over two decades, serving the Holy See in Brazil, the United States, India, Nepal, Korea, Mongolia, and Malaysia, and most recently as Resident Chargé d'Affaires in Timor-Leste since January 2019.

During his six-year tenure in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Sprizzi has worked tirelessly and efficiently to implement the Concordat signed between Timor-Leste and the Holy See in 2015.

His key achievements included securing long-term visas for missionaries, culminating in the approval of a specific law that grants five-year residence permits to religious personnel.

He was able to establish transparency and accountability in the annual state contributions to the Church with comprehensive financial reporting, securing legal recognition for the juridical personalities of dioceses, parishes, and religious congregations in Timor-Leste.

He implemented the registration system for Catholic weddings with civil authorities, supporting the establishment of the Catholic University of Timor-Leste.

He created ecclesiastical tribunals as outlined in the Concordat, determining the appointment of the new Bishop of Baucau.

He distributed about $12 million for projects benefiting the Timorese people, leading to the approval of guidelines for the protection of minors from abuses in the church.

He also oversaw the construction of the new Apostolic Nunciature building in Dili and coordinated the historic first apostolic visit of Pope Francisco to Timor-Leste in September 2024, which brought Timor-Leste to global attention.

“Monsignor Sprizzi has been not just a diplomatic representative, but a true friend to Timor-Leste and its people,” stated President Ramos-Horta.

Sprizzi has significantly contributed to the bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and the Holy See, particularly through his work implementing the Concordat.

For the services he has provided, he has benefited countless Timorese citizens over the years and has been invaluable to the nation.

Most recently, through Sprizzi's leadership, Timor-Leste has made a historic mark on the global map with the historic first apostolic visit of Pope Francisco to Timor-Leste, said Ramos-Horta.

Sprizzi's legacy of service, transparency, and dedication will remain long after his departure. In recognition of his tireless mission, the State recognizes his extraordinary contributions with the highest honor.

The relationship between Timor-Leste and the Holy See has been exceptionally strong since before independence, beginning with Pope John Paul II’s historic visit in 1989.

Following independence, the Holy See established diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste, culminating in the signing of the Concordat in 2015. This comprehensive international treaty governs cooperation in numerous sectors, including education, social services, missionary visas, chaplaincy services for hospitals and prisons, universities, religious education in schools, cultural heritage, tax exemptions, and customs matters.

On February 28, 2025, the Bishops’ Conference and the Office of the Prime Minister signed an Annual Agreement regarding the state’s contribution to the Bishops’ Conference for education, civil social services, and internal governance of the church.

Upon reflecting on his time in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Sprizzi expressed profound gratitude.

“After six years, I will leave Timor-Leste feeling greatly enriched. I have received more than I could give, especially in terms of humanity and personal relationships,” he said.

“The warmth, smile, and remarkable example of reconciliation, identity, and dignity of the Timorese people have profoundly touched me,” he added. “I take immense pride in the Timorese people and the nation I hold dear. The unity of the Timorese people is something unique that I will always share with others I meet, proudly praising Timor-Leste.”

The 58-year-old Monsignor Sprizzi will depart Timor-Leste on March 8, 2025, to assume his new position as President of the Labor Office of the Holy See.

He was born on October 7, 1967, in Messina, Italy. He was ordained a priest on June 26, 2099, for Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, Italy. On January 31, he was appointed as President of the Labour Office of the Apostolic See.