Today, 21 November 2025, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in Audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Mr. José Manuel Ramos-Horta, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks, held at the Secretariat of State, the parties emphasized the good relations between the Holy See and Timor-Leste, and the contribution of the Catholic Church to Timorese society. Attention then turned to several aspects of the country’s economic and social situation.

The conversation continued with an exchange of opinions on the regional situation, and the recent accession of Timor-Leste to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was discussed.

From the Vatican, 21 November 2025