Pope Francis Highlights Child Sexual Abuse, Poverty in Timor Leste Visit

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pope Francis called for action on abuse of young people after arriving in Timor-Leste. He conveyed the statement while meeting with Timor Leste President Jose Ramos Horta on Monday evening, September 9, 2024.

The Catholic-majority nation has been shocked by several child sexual assault cases involving clergy members in recent years.

"Let us not forget the many children and adolescents whose dignity has been violated. The phenomenon is manifesting all over the world," he said in a speech in the capital Dili. "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." 

He did not mention a specific case or acknowledge any Vatican responsibility.

Advocacy groups had called for Francis to speak out on the issue in Asia's youngest country. He has previously met victims on trips to Ireland and Portugal, but his official schedule this time includes no such events.

Recent cases in Timor-Leste include Nobel-winning Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, whom the Vatican secretly punished over allegations that he sexually abused young children for decades.

The Vatican went public in 2022 about the restrictions put on Belo after it was revealed that his movements and interactions were limited following claims he abused young boys in Timor-Leste.

In another case in the country, defrocked American priest Richard Daschbach was found guilty in 2021 of abusing orphaned, disadvantaged girls and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Pope Francis said children and young people are precious nation’s investments that must be protected, especially since 65 percent of the country’s population are those under 30 years old.  

Additionally, Pope Francis highlighted the issue of the high poverty rate in Timor Leste, especially in rural areas. The Pope urged the government to resolve these issues through justice-based natural resource management.

“Especially oil and gas reserves, which can offer unprecedented possibilities for development. It is essential to be well-prepared and provide suitable training for the people,” Pope Francis said.

Catholic devotees which number around 98 percent of the country's 1.3 million have clamored to see Pope Francis. They came from faraway towns, across its border with Indonesia, and from further afield.

"When I saw his (Pope Francis’) face, I got goosebumps. I firmly believe that his presence brings peace and hope," said Magdalena Tagnipis, a 49-year-old who made a trip from the Philippines through Australia. 

CHANNEL NEWS ASIA | FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA

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