Pope Francis’s Visit Anticipated in Deeply Catholic East Timor

By Kate Lamb

When Pope Francis arrives in Dili, the capital of East Timor, this week, he will find a vastly changed nation compared to the one visited by his predecessor. The last papal visit to Dili took place in 1989, when Pope John Paul II came to land that was then under Indonesian occupation. His visit provided a significant boost to East Timor’s burgeoning independence movement, bringing its struggle into the global spotlight.

Father Francisco Barreto, who was present during that historic event, recalled how it was an opportunity for the people to assert their desire for freedom. As East Timor prepares for a second papal visit, Barreto emphasized that the current focus is on rebuilding the impoverished nation rather than merely fighting for independence. He described the visit as a divine blessing that could inspire renewed vigor in the country’s pursuit of progress.

Since gaining independence in 2002, after a U.N.-supervised referendum, East Timor has faced challenges in diversifying its oil-dependent economy, fostering political regeneration, and combating corruption. Pope Francis is visiting as part of a broader tour that includes stops in Jakarta and Singapore, and his presence is anticipated to resonate deeply, despite recent controversies surrounding the Catholic Church.

The Vatican confirmed it had sanctioned Timorese Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo last year amid allegations of past sexual abuse, and a former American priest was sentenced to prison for similar offenses in Timor. These incidents have created divisions in public opinion, with some expressing reluctance to confront such painful topics given the church’s historical significance in the struggle for self-determination.

It’s uncertain whether Pope Francis will address these complex issues during his visit, but thousands are expected to gather in Dili regardless. The connection between the Catholic Church and the fight for independence is profound, with former Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao labeling it the "backbone of the resistance."

Prior to Indonesia’s invasion in 1975, many Timorese practiced animism and spoke local languages. Under Indonesian rule, they were compelled to adopt one of six official religions, with Catholicism becoming a means of resisting Indonesian integration. This religious shift saw the proportion of Catholics rise dramatically, serving both as a unifying factor and a source of national identity.

Trusted church figures provided invaluable support during the occupation, often acting as sources of information and spiritual refuge. Bishop Belo played a crucial role in advocating for East Timor’s independence, appealing to the Vatican and the U.N. for support.

The significance of Pope John Paul II’s visit as the only global leader to come to East Timor during its struggle has left a lasting impact. His condemnation of violence is fondly remembered, and upon his passing in 2005, the nation observed three days of mourning.

Currently, extensive preparations are underway for Pope Francis’ visit, with the government allocating significant funds amid concerns over the financial implications for a developing nation. The visit promises to be a grand celebration, although the cost raises questions about the burden on East Timor’s economy.