In 2022, the Vatican acknowledged that Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, an East Timorese independence hero had sexually abused young boys. Despite this, the church in East Timor remains strong, focusing on its role in saving lives during the country’s struggle for independence. Most people in East Timor downplay, doubt, or dismiss the claims against Belo and an American missionary who confessed to molesting young girls. The country’s deep connection to the church stems from its role during the fight for independence, where priests, nuns, and missionaries risked their lives to help the people.
Pope Francis is set to make his first trip to East Timor, a former Portuguese colony located off the northern coast of Australia. While the Pope has addressed clergy sexual abuse scandals in other countries, there is uncertainty if he will mention the issue in East Timor. Dutch journalist Tjiyske Lingsma, who helped expose the abuse cases, believes it would be meaningful for the victims if the Pope were to apologize during his visit. The Vatican confirmed in 2020 that Belo had been secretly sanctioned, but many in East Timor still do not believe it.
The church in East Timor holds significant power, with around 98% of the country’s population identifying as Catholic. The church’s opposition to the Indonesian military occupation and support for the resistance during the independence struggle helped foster a strong connection between the church and the people. Despite the scandals involving Belo and the American missionary Richard Daschbach, who was defrocked and criminally charged for abusing young girls, they continue to receive support from society.
In the case of Daschbach, who is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence in East Timor, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has visited him in prison and expressed a desire to secure his early release. Belo retired as the head of the church in 2002 and was sent to work as a missionary priest in Mozambique, where he currently resides in Portugal. The Vatican’s handling of these cases has been criticized, with calls for more accountability and support for the victims. The church’s role during the fight for independence has made it challenging for victims to come forward.
The visit of Pope Francis to East Timor could be a significant moment in his papacy if he were to denounce the actions of Belo and Daschbach and show support for the victims. The Catholic Church’s exalted status in East Timor could amplify the impact of such a message, sending a strong signal globally. Despite the reverence for Belo and Daschbach as independence heroes, there are calls for justice and accountability in addressing the clergy sexual abuse scandals. The victims of these abuses are considered some of the most isolated and least supported clergy sex abuse victims globally.
