7 Powerful Steps by Pope Francis to Protect Timor-Leste’s Youth from Abuse

Pope Francis has made a passionate plea to protect young people from abuse during his visit to Timor-Leste. This visit is a significant part of his tour across Southeast Asia and Oceania. Upon his arrival in the capital city of Dili, the Pope emphasized the need to safeguard the dignity of children and adolescents, urging everyone to ensure that every child enjoys a safe and peaceful childhood.

A Strong Message from the Pontiff

During his speech, Pope Francis said, “Let us not forget the many children and adolescents whose dignity has been violated.” His words echoed through the hearts of many as he stressed the importance of preventing all forms of abuse. The Pope’s call to action was clear: everyone must do everything possible to prevent abuse and to guarantee a healthy environment for the youth.

The Context of the Pope’s Visit

Although Pope Francis did not refer to a specific incident during his speech, his visit came at a critical time. A prominent East Timorese bishop, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, who had been celebrated as a hero of independence, was recently accused of sexually abusing young boys during the 1980s and 1990s. The Vatican became aware of these allegations in 2019, and by 2020, disciplinary measures were imposed on the bishop. These measures included restrictions on his movements and a ban on voluntary contact with minors.

Calls for Justice and Compensation

In light of these events, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests in Oceania has voiced concerns. They highlighted that the victims have not yet received the justice they deserve. In an open letter, the organization urged Pope Francis to utilize Church funds to compensate the victims, emphasizing that financial restitution is crucial for their healing process.

The Pope’s Official Schedule

According to the official itinerary, Pope Francis is not scheduled to meet with the victims of abuse during his visit. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether Bishop Belo will make an appearance alongside the Pope in Dili. Despite these uncertainties, the Pope’s visit is expected to draw significant attention to the ongoing issues surrounding the protection of youth in the region.

Celebrating Peace and Freedom in Timor-Leste

In addition to addressing the issue of abuse, Pope Francis took a moment to praise Timor-Leste for its journey toward peace and independence. The country, formerly known as East Timor, has overcome significant challenges since achieving independence from Indonesia two decades ago. The Pope expressed his admiration for the resilience of the Timorese people, acknowledging their perseverance during a “dramatic period” in their history.

A Nation’s Journey to Independence

Pope Francis commended the nation for never losing hope, even during the darkest days of their struggle. He recognized the sacrifices made by the people and celebrated the dawn of peace and freedom that has now come to the country. His words were met with widespread approval, as tens of thousands of devotees lined the streets of Dili, waving flags and cheering as the Pope passed by in an open-top car.

The Role of Catholicism in Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste is the only country in Southeast Asia with a Catholic majority, making the Pope’s visit particularly significant. Over 97% of the population identifies as Catholic, a sharp increase from the 20% who were Catholic at the time of the Indonesian invasion in 1975. The Pope’s visit is the first papal trip to Timor-Leste since 1989 when Pope John Paul II visited the country, which was still under Indonesian occupation at the time.

The Controversy Surrounding the Visit

Despite the excitement surrounding the Pope’s visit, there has been some controversy, particularly regarding the preparations for the open-air mass that the Pope is set to celebrate near Dili. Around 700,000 people are expected to attend the mass, making it a significant event for the country. However, the government’s decision to demolish homes and evict residents from the area where the mass will be held has drawn criticism.

The Impact on Local Residents

The demolitions have affected many families who had settled in the Tasitolu area, a wetland region just outside the capital. Over the past decade, hundreds of people moved to this area from rural parts of the country, building homes and seeking work in the capital. The government argues that these residents are squatting and have no legal right to the land. However, the sudden eviction has left many families displaced, with some having to rent temporary accommodations nearby.

Government’s Response to Criticism

A government minister stated that the residents had been informed about the plans to clear the area in September 2023. Despite this, the decision to demolish homes has been met with significant opposition. Critics have also questioned the decision to spend large sums of money on the Pope’s visit, including approximately US$1 million on a brand-new altar for the mass.

The Broader Context of the Pope’s Tour

Pope Francis’ visit to Timor-Leste is part of a broader tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to arriving in Timor-Leste, the Pope visited Papua New Guinea, where about a quarter of the population is Catholic, and Indonesia, where only 3% of the population identifies as Catholic. The Pope’s tour will conclude later this week in Singapore, marking the end of his significant journey through the region.

The Significance of the Visit

The Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste is a historic moment for the nation, symbolizing the strong ties between the Catholic Church and the Timorese people. His call to protect the youth from abuse, coupled with his praise for the country’s resilience, highlights the importance of ensuring a peaceful and just society for future generations. As the Pope continues his journey, the messages he leaves behind will likely resonate with the people of Timor-Leste for years to come.