[2] In 1983 Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo S.D.B.

Then the only diocese in the territory, the 700,000 Catholics were divided into 30 parishes administered by 71 priests.

[4] In 2019 it had grown to 30 parishes in the five districts of Dili, Ermera, Aielu, Ainaro and Manufahi.

On 11 September 2019, Pope Francis elevated Díli to the status of a metropolitan archdiocese; the Ecclesiastical Province of Díli will have two suffragan sees, the Dioceses of Baucau and Maliana.

Bishop da Silva of Díli will be raised to the rank of archbishop.