East Timor Prepares for Historic Papal Visit Amid Challenges

East Timor, one of the world's youngest nations, is preparing to welcome Pope Francis in September 2024, marking a significant moment in the country's history. This visit comes 35 years after Pope John Paul II's historic trip to the then-occupied territory, which played a crucial role in the nation's struggle for independence.

The predominantly Catholic nation of 1.3 million people is eagerly anticipating the pontiff's arrival, despite facing numerous challenges since gaining independence 22 years ago. East Timor, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, has struggled to diversify its oil and gas-dependent economy and combat corruption since its liberation from Indonesian occupation in 2002.

Father Francisco Barreto, a 72-year-old priest who witnessed the 1989 papal visit, views Pope Francis's upcoming trip as a divine blessing. He believes it will bring "new life, new energy" to the nation's ongoing efforts to progress and overcome its economic and political hurdles.

The Catholic Church has been deeply intertwined with East Timor's identity and independence movement. During the Indonesian occupation, which began in 1975, many Timorese converted to Catholicism as a form of resistance against the predominantly Muslim Indonesia. This shift resulted in the percentage of Catholics rising from less than 30% before 1975 to over 95% at independence, making East Timor one of the most Catholic countries in the world.

However, the Church's reputation has been tarnished by recent sexual abuse scandals. In 2022, the Vatican sanctioned Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, a Nobel laureate, following allegations of sexual abuse. A year earlier, a defrocked American priest was sentenced for abusing girls under his care in Timor. These events have created a divide in public opinion, with some Timorese reluctant to confront these issues due to the Church's historical importance in the independence struggle.

Despite these controversies, experts predict an enormous turnout for Pope Francis's visit. Michael Leach from Australia's Swinburne University notes, "Catholicism is one of the things that unites Timorese."

The government has allocated $12 million for the papal visit, a significant sum for a nation grappling with poverty. This expenditure has raised concerns among some, including Jose Trindade, a former government official, who points out the high cost relative to the country's economic situation.

"The Catholic church was the backbone of the resistance."

East Timor's journey to independence and its relationship with the Catholic Church is a testament to the nation's resilience. From its days as a Portuguese colony to the brutal Indonesian occupation, and finally to independence, the country has faced numerous challenges. Today, with its young population (median age of 19) and rich biodiversity, including endangered species like the Timor monitor lizard, East Timor continues to strive for progress.

As the nation prepares for Pope Francis's visit, it reflects on its past while looking towards the future. The papal visit serves as a reminder of the country's unique history and the ongoing role of the Catholic Church in East Timorese society, even as the nation grapples with contemporary issues and the complexities of nation-building in the 21st century.