Dili, May 9 (AseanAll) — On May 9, 2025, Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, extended his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, elected as Pope Leo XIV, is the first Augustinian pontiff and second pope from the Americas. Born in Chicago in 1955, he served as a missionary in Peru for many years, was twice elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order, and served as Bishop of Chiclayo before Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 and created him Cardinal in 2024.
In his official letter to the Vatican, Ramos-Horta acknowledged the momentous significance of Pope Leo XIV’s election as the first Pope from the United States of America, highlighting His Holiness’s extensive missionary work in Latin America and his distinguished service within the Holy See.
“The election of His Holiness marks a historic moment for the Church and for the world,” President Ramos-Horta stated. “As the first Pope from the United States of America, with deep missionary experience in Latin America and extensive pastoral and administrative service within the Holy See, His Holiness embodies the richness of the Church’s universality and renews the hope for a leadership committed to dialogue, justice, peace, and human dignity.”
The President expressed his admiration for the Pope’s first apostolic blessing and his commitment to a missionary Church that prioritizes the poor, builds bridges, and promotes charity and fraternal encounter.
Timor-Leste, a predominantly Catholic nation, joins the global Catholic community in celebrating this significant appointment. The President has assured His Holiness of Timor-Leste’s continued filial affection for the Apostolic See and has entrusted the Pope’s ministry to the protection of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of Timor-Leste.
Ramos-Horta has extended his sincere wishes for the success of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in fulfilling his sacred mission as the Successor of Peter, Bishop of Rome, and Universal Pastor of the Church.
