Pope Francis recently began an 11-day journey to Asia, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. There were speculations of a potential visit to Vietnam, but it seems that a trip to a communist state was deemed too challenging for the aging pope.
In Timor-Leste, the Pope may face a difficult issue regarding Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate accused of abusing boys. The Vatican had known about the allegations since 2019 and sanctioned Belo in 2020.
Timor-Leste, a predominantly Catholic nation, continues to grapple with cases of child abuse by religious figures. The support shown to convicted pedophiles by prominent figures raises concerns about justice and accountability.
As Pope Francis visits Timor-Leste, the focus is on how the community perceives crimes committed by revered figures like Belo. It raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church.
The issue at hand is not just about East Timorese views on their national heroes or cultural responses to abuse allegations. It is about demanding accountability and justice, even if it means addressing uncomfortable truths within the Church.
Pope Francis should prioritize acknowledging the victims of abuse, seeking forgiveness, and ensuring that the Church takes responsibility for past misconduct. Transparency and genuine contrition are essential in rebuilding trust and integrity.