Journalist accreditation process launched for Pope Francis’s Apostolic Visit « Government of Tim-Leste

This was announced today by the Secretary of State for Social Communications, Expedito Dias Ximenes, in the presence of the Secretary of State for Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, and Cardinal Dom Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dili. The accreditation process for journalists for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis begins. The visit is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 11, 2024. Requests for accreditation must be submitted using the form available on the government portal at: https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?pp.

During a press conference held at the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee, the Secretary of State stressed the importance of the papal visit as a moment of national unity, underscoring that it symbolizes peace, solidarity and fraternity for the people of Timor-Leste. “For the people of Timor-Leste, the presence of the Pope is a symbol of blessing and hope, a moment of great anticipation”, said Expedito Dias Ximenes.

The accreditation process is essential to guaranteeing organized and safe press coverage during Pope Francis’ visit. The Secretary of State explained that the procedure is designed to ensure a controlled and efficient environment that guarantees the safety of all participants and the integrity of the information disclosed.

Interested journalists must fill out a specific form available on the government portal at https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?ppuntil August 16, 2024. The form is available in Tetum, Portuguese and English and must be filled out correctly and accompanied by the necessary documents. In case of questions, journalists can contact the Organizing Committee Secretariat by email: gacg.covss.papa.tl@gmail.com.

Upon receipt of the request, the Secretariat team will conduct a detailed check of the data and documents submitted, including the authenticity of the information provided. Due to space constraints at the various events planned for the Pope’s visit, the number of journalists assigned to each event may be limited.

In addition to the accreditation process, the launch of a special TALK SHOW on the Timorese Radio and Television Corporation (RTTL) was announced. The program, entitled “Preparation for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to Timor-Leste”, will begin in early August and aims to prepare the public for this historic moment. The preparations carried out by the Organizing Committee, including logistics, security and planning of the ceremony, will be discussed, with the participation of important figures involved in the organization of the event.

The Government of Timor-Leste continues to work closely with the Vatican, local churches and other institutions to ensure the success and security of the Pope’s visit.