In 2002, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the head of East Timor’s Catholic Church, resigned amidst allegations of sexual abuse of young boys over a 20-year period. Now, ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to East Timor, BishopAccountability.org has called on the pontiff to address child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. The organization has requested Cardinal Sean O’Malley to persuade the pope to speak out against sexual abuse during his trip.
Despite the allegations against Belo, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 for his role in East Timor’s independence from Indonesia, he still enjoys popularity in the country. State officials, including President José Ramos-Horta, have publicly praised and welcomed him back.
The Catholic Church in East Timor has largely downplayed or doubted claims of sexual abuse made against Belo and others, including an American missionary who confessed to molesting young girls. The church is more focused on the bishops’ roles in saving lives during the country’s struggle for independence.
Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to East Timor, the most Catholic country in the world outside the Vatican, will be his first to the country. However, it is unclear whether he will meet with victims of abuse or address the issue directly. Anne Barrett Doyle of Bishop Accountability explains that in developing countries where the church is dominant, bishops hold significant power, which may explain their continued reverence despite allegations of abuse.
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