He studied International Law at the Hague Academy of International Law, in the Netherlands, and at Antioch University (USA), where he completed the master’s degree in Peace Studies, as well as a postgraduate degree on the subject of International Law and peace.
In 1996 he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with his compatriot Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes, for his continued efforts to end the current oppression in East Timor by contributing to a diplomatic solution to the conflicts.