Farewell ceremony in Timor-Leste at Dili International Airport

At 11.40 (04-40 in Rome), at President Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, the farewell ceremony from Timor-Leste took place.

Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Mr. José Ramos-Horta, in the VIP lounge, for a brief conversation.

After greeting the local entourage and the Timorese delegation, the Holy Father Francis boarded an Aero Dili A320 and departed at 12-25 (05.25 in Rome) bound for Singapore.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father landed at Changi International Airport in Singapore at14-52 (08.52 in Rome).

Telegram to the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Immediately after his departure from Dili, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Mr. José Ramos-Horta:

HIS EXCELLENCY JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA
PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE
DILI

AS I LEAVE TIMOR-LESTE FOLLOWING MY APOSTOLIC JOURNEY, PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS FOR THE GENEROUS WELCOME AND WARMTH EXTENDED THROUGHOUT MY VISIT. PRAYING THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL BESTOW UPON THE COUNTRY THE GIFTS OF PEACE AND SOLIDARITY, I INVOKE UPON ALL OF YOU AN ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS.

FRANCISCUS

Official Welcome at Changi International Airport, Singapore

Upon arrival at Changi International Airport, Singapore, the Holy Father Francis was welcomed by the Minister of Culture, Community and Youth, His Excellency Mr. Edwin Tong, with his wife, and the Extraordinary Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of Singapore to the Holy See, Her Excellency Ms. Ang Janet Guat Har. Together they proceeded towards the “Dendrobium” Hall for a brief meeting.

After a short conversation, they proceeded to the Atrium of the VIP Complex, where some children welcomed the Pope with a floral tribute.

At the end, after the greeting of the respective delegations, and after taking leave of the Minister, Pope Francis will transfer by car to Saint Francis Retreat Centre, where he will be received at the entrance by the staff.

Private meeting with the members of the Society of Jesus at the Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Centre

At 18.15 (12.15 in Rome), the Holy Father Francis will meet privately with the members of the Society of Jesus at the Saint Francis Xavier Retreat Centre.