The president of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, said today that he expects Pope Leo XIV to continue the mission of the predecessor and be able to convey messages with the strength and spirit of Francis.
“With the moral force that comes from Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV will continue this mission to the whole world,” said Ramos-Horta, in a video in Tetum, released to the press.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected Thursday, after two days of Conclave, in the Vatican City, and took the name of Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, United States, the new Pope has Spanish ancestry and Peruvian nationality, and belongs to the Order of St. Augustine.
Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.
“We all expect and trust that the role played by the late Pope Francis in the world and in Timor-Leste, fighting for the poor and disadvantaged, justice in the world economic order, will continue,” said the Timorese President.
José Ramos-Horta also recalled that Pope Francis spoke firmly about Gaza, especially in relation to the Palestinian people, addressed the situation in Myanmar and spoke upon the many armed conflicts that currently occur in the world.
“Therefore, I have confidence that in the current global context so difficult and multiple confrontations, Pope Leo XIV will be able to convey his message with the strength and spirit of Francis to the whole world. I hope that, like Pope Francis, keep his look at the care of the world and about Timor-Leste,” he concluded.
