Pope Francis Arrives in Timor-Leste Amidst Controversy and Celebration
Pope Francis has arrived in Timor-Leste, marking his first visit to the only Catholic-majority nation on his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour. The arrival of the 87-year-old pontiff is a significant event for the small Southeast Asian country, where nearly 97% of the population identifies as Catholic, making it the highest proportion of Catholics outside the Vatican.
The Pope's visit comes as a momentous occasion for the people of Timor-Leste. With an expected turnout of around 700,000 for an open-air mass near the capital, Dili, the excitement is palpable. However, this visit is overshadowed by a troubling cloud—the ongoing scandal involving Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo. Belo, once a revered figure for his role in Timor-Leste’s fight for independence, has been accused of sexually abusing minors during the 1980s and 1990s.
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The Vatican has been aware of the allegations against Belo since 2019 and imposed disciplinary measures in 2020, which included restrictions on his movements and a ban on unsupervised contact with minors. Despite these measures, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests in Oceania has expressed dissatisfaction, noting that there has been no substantial redress for the victims. They are urging Pope Francis to address the issue directly and use Church funds to compensate the survivors.
In Timor-Leste, the Pope’s visit is not just a religious event but also a politically charged one. Local authorities have faced criticism for evicting dozens of people and demolishing their homes in the Tasitolu area, where the Pope’s mass will take place. Many of these residents, who moved to the area seeking better opportunities, now find themselves displaced, which has sparked strong reactions from the local community.
The government’s decision to spend substantial amounts on the papal visit, including $1 million on a new altar, has also drawn criticism, especially given that nearly half of Timor-Leste’s population lives below the national poverty line. The visit has highlighted a stark contrast between the nation's financial struggles and the lavish expenditure associated with the Pope's tour.
Pope Francis’s arrival in Timor-Leste underscores the deep ties between the Catholic Church and the country’s history. Timor-Leste, a nation with a profound Catholic heritage due to centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, has been through significant turmoil. The country’s fight for independence from Indonesia, marked by years of conflict and violence, saw the Catholic Church playing a crucial role in advocating for the people’s rights.
As Pope Francis continues his journey through the Asia-Pacific region, this visit to Timor-Leste stands out not only for its religious significance but also for its complex backdrop of historical and ongoing issues. The pontiff's actions and responses during this visit will be closely watched, particularly in light of the allegations against Bishop Belo and the local controversies surrounding the preparations for his arrival.
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