Virgílio do Carmo da Silva was born on 27 November 1967 in Venilale, in what was then Portuguese Timor. Educated by the Salesians at Fatumaca, he joined the Salesian Society of Don Bosco and was sent to Manila for philosophy and theology. He made his first profession on 31 May 1990 and his perpetual profession on 19 March 1997, and was ordained a priest on 18 December 1998.
He spent his priesthood forming others: formator of novices (1999–2004), a licentiate in spirituality at the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome (2005–2007), master of novices again (2007–2014), and director of the Salesian house and the Don Bosco Technical High School at Fatumaca (2009–2014). In 2015 he was chosen provincial of his Salesian province. On 30 January 2016 Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Díli; on 11 September 2019 he became the first Metropolitan Archbishop of Díli when the diocese was raised to an archdiocese.
On 27 August 2022 Francis created him cardinal — the first from Timor-Leste — with the title of Sant'Alberto Magno. In a country that is overwhelmingly Catholic yet among Asia's poorest, his stated priorities are unglamorous and hard: serious formation for seminarians, catechists and families, and an answer to the young people leaving for work abroad out of poverty and unemployment. In December 2021 he inaugurated Timor-Leste's first Catholic university, and in September 2024 he hosted Pope Francis in Díli.
Consequential Quotes
when I finished elementary school, I really wished to go to junior high school and the only one by me was run by the Salesians, for those aspiring to be future Salesians. When I approached the Salesians, they were so kind, accepting me to stay and study there. I gradually discovered my Salesian, as well as priestly, vocation.
I came to realize that this is a gift God made through the Holy Father, for the people and Church of East Timor.
In spite of our bitter history in the past, we have reconciled, forgiving and forgetting our past, and now are enjoying a good relationship.
One of the urgent needs we need to pay attention to is the young people leaving our country because of poverty and unemployment.
We must form well the lay people, especially catechists and other lay volunteers, in order help us deepen the faith of the people.
Major Works & Initiatives
Formator of Salesian novices
His first post after ordination, beginning the formation work — of novices, seminarians and lay catechists — that has defined his ministry.
Director, Salesian House and Don Bosco Technical High School, Fatumaca
Ran the Salesian community and its technical school at Fatumaca, the same Salesian world that had educated him.
Provincial, Salesians of Don Bosco (Timor-Leste province)
Chosen provincial superior in 2015, the office from which Pope Francis called him to Díli a year later.
Founder, Universidade Católica Timorense São João Paulo II
Inaugurated Timor-Leste's first Catholic university with Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on 8 December 2021, fulfilling a decades-old archdiocesan goal.
Controversies
On the record
No significant public controversies reported.