In an address to the political authorities of East Timor, Pope Francis did not shy away from the country's difficult past—but he also spoke hopefully of its future ahead.
Between 1975 and 1999, over 200,000 citizens of East Timor were massacred or killed fighting or from famine during Indonesia's occupation of the country. East Timor officially gained independence in 2002 and is one of the youngest country's in the world.
POPE FRANCIS
East Timor endured its greatest test and trial. It has suffered. Yet, the country has been able to rise again, finding a path to peace and the beginning of a new phase of development and improvement of living conditions.
Amid this new phase of development, social issues still plague the country and the Pope recognized this in his speech. He mentioned poverty, alcoholism and gangs, as well as the abuse of children.
The Pope's comments come four years after the Vatican punished the prominent East Timor Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his human rights work during the Indonesian occupation. He was later accused of sexually abusing young boys in the 80s and 90s.
Now, Bishop Belo lives in Portugal with limitations on his ministry, including the inability to work with minors.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us also not forget that these children and adolescents have their dignity violated. This phenomenon is emerging around the world. In response, we are all called to do everything possible to prevent every kind of abuse and guarantee a healthy and peaceful childhood for all young people.
Outside of the Vatican, East Timor is the most Catholic country in the world, with 98% of its population identifying as a member of the faith. Crowds of thousands filled the streets to welcome Pope Francis into the country.
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