Pope Francis is set to become the first pontiff to visit independent East Timor, a deeply Catholic nation grappling with clergy sexual abuse scandals.
One high-profile case involves Nobel laureate Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, a revered figure in East Timor's fight for independence from Indonesia.
Despite his heroic status, Belo was secretly sanctioned by the Vatican in 2020 after allegations emerged that he had abused young boys over two decades.
The Vatican initially cited health reasons for his 2002 resignation but failed to mention the abuse claims. Only after a 2022 report by the Dutch magazine *De Groene Amsterdammer* did the Vatican publicly confirm the sanctions.
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Calls are growing for Pope Francis to address this dark chapter. During his visit, the Timor-Leste NGO Forum urged the pope to promote stricter measures against abuse, while BishopAccountability.org requested that Francis become a voice for the victims.
Despite these demands, it remains unclear if the pope will discuss these issues during his stay in Dili, where he will meet local Catholics and preside over a mass.
Belo's case is not the only scandal in the country. American priest Richard Daschbach, convicted in 2021 for abusing vulnerable girls, remains supported by some high-profile figures, including Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who attended his birthday celebration after the conviction.
While East Timor's government has refrained from commenting on Belo, President Jose Ramos-Horta has stated that punishment should be left to the Vatican. Many in the country still hold Belo in high regard and call for his return.
However, survivor groups stress that the Church must do more to address its failures in protecting children.
