Catholic Medical Association of Timor-Leste (CMATL): A New Beacon of Faith and Service

Introduction

Timor-Leste, one of the world’s youngest nations, gained independence on 20 May 2002. It is also among the countries with the highest proportion of Roman Catholic believers globally, second only to Vatican City. With an estimated population of 1.3 million, around 97% identify as Roman Catholic, highlighting the profound cultural and religious influence of Catholicism in Timorese society.

In the spirit of compassion, unity, and Christian service, youth health professionals of Timor-Leste have united to form the Catholic Medical Association of Timor-Leste (CMATL). Rooted in faith and guided by principles of human dignity and moral integrity, CMATL represents a new chapter in the nation’s journey of spiritual, social, and physical healing.

This association was not born from personal ambition, but as a response to an official invitation from the Asian Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (AFCMA), recognizing the dedication of young Timorese doctors and medical students committed to compassionate, ethical, and faith-based medical practice. The invitation was warmly received, especially following the apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis from 9-11 september 2024, whose presence and message inspired renewed commitment to serve with mercy, justice, and faith.

CMATL also addresses the urgent challenges of Timor-Leste’s health system, which suffers from a shortage of healthcare professionals. Many general doctors and other healthcare professionals lack opportunities for specialization or advanced training. CMATL was established to provide mentorship, professional development, and support, enabling healthcare professionals to grow in their careers while contributing to improved healthcare access and quality across the nation.

Inspiration and Mission

The visit of Pope Francis became a moment of profound spiritual awakening for all Timorese, particularly for Catholic health professionals, reminding us of our calling to be instruments of healing, reconciliation, and hope. CMATL seeks to unite healthcare expertise with faith, fostering ethical, compassionate, and holistic medical care across Timor-Leste.

Vision

To build a healthier Timor-Leste guided by Catholic values.

Mission

CMATL works across four main areas:

  1. Ethics and Catholic Social Doctrine – Forming medical professionals to make conscience-based decisions that respect life and human dignity according to Church teaching.
  2. Health and Clinical Education – Conducting training and community health campaigns to empower families and communities to prevent diseases and improve well-being.
  3. Health Innovation and Technology – Introducing practical tools such as telemedicine and digital health records to improve healthcare access, even in remote areas.
  4. Environmental Health and Equity – Promoting initiatives such as tree planting, water management, and environmental education to protect both human and ecological health.

Activities and Achievements

Since its establishment, CMATL has been actively involved in both national and international initiatives:

  • November 2024: Represented Timor-Leste at the 18th AFCMA Congress in Seoul, South Korea, following the apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis I to Timor-Leste.
  • March 2025: Audience with President José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who expressed full support for CMATL’s initiatives and vision.
  • March 2025: Audience with Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, the Cardinal of Timor-Leste, who also endorsed and supported the association’s activities.
  • May 2025: Partnered with Grupo Santa Casa Misericórdia to strengthen community health programs.
  • July 2025: Participated with 13 members in the ASEAN Medical Mission in Thailand.
  • August 2025: Presented CMATL’s mission and activities at the General Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of Timor-Leste (CETL), which formally supported the initiatives.
  • September 2025: Provided medical assistance in collaboration with SNAEM-EP during the Thanksgiving Mass for the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis at Tasi Tolu.
  • September 2025: Organized capacity-building programs in Basic Life Support and Emergency Management for 36 fresh graduate doctors with SNAEM-EP.
  • October 2025: Conducted community medical consultations during the National Pilgrimage to Mount Ramelau in Ainaro District.
  • February 2026 (Upcoming): Planned training sessions on the Billings Ovulation Method® and Emergency Obstetric Care, in partnership with WOOMB International and MaterCare Australia, which will train 100 healthcare professionals in Timor-Leste. CMATL also invites all individuals and professionals willing to support this initiative—including finance, technical, and other roles—to join, as resources are still limited. Anyone interested or wanting to know more can contact us at: catholicmedicalassociationofti@gmail.com

Through these activities, CMATL demonstrates its commitment to professional excellence, faith-inspired compassion, and the growth of general doctors and other healthcare professionals, with the strong support of national authorities and Church leaders.

Conclusion

As the newest member preparing to rejoin the FIAMC family, CMATL stands ready to contribute actively to the international mission of Catholic medicine. We aim to witness Christ through our work, bringing healing, dignity, and hope to the people of Timor-Leste—especially the most vulnerable. By supporting general doctors and other healthcare professionals, strengthening professional development, and promoting ethical, holistic care, CMATL strives to address gaps in the national health system and build a stronger, healthier future.