When Pope Francis visits East Timor, he will become the second pope to do so after John Paul in 1989 and the first since the country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002. The trip occurs amid controversies involving allegations of sexual abuse against two prominent clergymen: Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo and missionary Richard Daschbach. Despite these allegations, both men still enjoy substantial support from the predominantly Catholic population of East Timor due to their roles in the country’s fight for independence.
Belo retired in 2002 citing health reasons and was later sent to Mozambique by the Vatican following allegations of sexual abuse against him that became widely known in 2022. Daschbach, on the other hand, confessed to abusing young girls from 1991 to 2012 and was defrocked by the Vatican and convicted in East Timor in 2021, where he is currently serving a prison sentence of 12 years.
The support for Belo and Daschbach stems from their significant contributions to East Timor’s independence struggle. Belo, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was praised for his courage in exposing human rights abuses by Indonesian forces. Similarly, Daschbach was celebrated for his efforts in saving lives during the fight for independence. The church’s historic opposition to Indonesia’s military occupation further solidifies their support.
As Pope Francis prepares to visit East Timor, it remains unclear if he will address the allegations of sexual abuse directly or meet with the victims. While there is no internal pressure for him to apologize, there are calls for him to acknowledge the victims’ suffering and provide support. Addressing the issue could have a profound impact not only in East Timor but also globally, shedding light on clergy sex abuse victims in other regions.
Despite the controversies surrounding Belo and Daschbach, their contributions to East Timor’s independence should not be disregarded, according to Timorese historian Luciano Valentim da Conceixao. While acknowledging their mistakes, he highlights the positive impact they had on the nation’s freedom. Ultimately, how Pope Francis navigates this sensitive issue during his visit could define a significant moment of his papacy.
