The upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Timor-Leste has sparked controversy as families’ homes are being demolished near the capital city of Dili to make way for the pontiff’s mass next month. Nearly 90 people have been told by the government that they must find new accommodations before the Pope’s arrival, with authorities denying any connection between the evictions and the visit.
Residents who have been evicted expressed their sadness and frustration, with one local resident, Zerita Correia, telling BBC News that their belongings were demolished and they now have to rent nearby for their children to continue attending school in the area. The government has paid some families between $7,000 and $10,000 for their homes, but residents say the amount is not enough to meet their needs.
A spokesman for the residents revealed that more than 1,300 families will be affected by the evictions, with the next phase scheduled to take place after Pope Francis leaves. The homes are located in Tasitolu, an area just outside of Dili where many people moved from rural parts of the country in search of work.
Critics have raised concerns about the government’s decision to spend around $18m on the Pope’s visit, including $1m on a new altar for the mass. With nearly half of the population living below the national poverty line, some question the priorities of such lavish spending.
Despite the controversy, the upcoming visit will mark the first papal trip to Timor-Leste since 1989, when the country was still under Indonesian occupation. The overwhelmingly Catholic population is eagerly anticipating the visit, but campaigners are urging Pope Francis to address a recent abuse scandal involving a prominent Timorese bishop.
The Vatican acknowledged in 2022 that Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo had sexually abused young boys, leading to disciplinary measures being imposed. It remains to be seen whether Pope Francis will address the scandal during his visit or meet with victims. The anticipation for the Pope’s visit is mixed with concerns about the treatment of residents and the need for accountability within the Church.
