CLERICAL ABUSE CASES
While East Timor is devoutly Catholic, it is also one of the world’s poorest countries, heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues that experts say could be depleted within years.
Despite that, the government is rolling out the red carpet for Francis.
It has allocated US$12 million for the visit, including US$1 million for the mass altar alone – which on Sunday stood beside a large crucifix.
With around 42 per cent of East Timor’s population living below the poverty line, Francis is likely to touch on economic and social issues.
Others are using his visit to make a quick buck.
Teacher Silverio Tilman, 58, set up a street stall in Dili selling pope merchandise, raking in US$600 in two days, more than double the average monthly salary.
Among its problems, East Timor suffers alleged government corruption, serious gender-based violence, domestic abuse of persons with disabilities and child labour.
But the most sensitive issue facing the pontiff is controversial child abuse cases linked to the clergy.
They include a Nobel-winning bishop who the Vatican secretly punished over claims he had sexually abused young children for decades.
Advocacy groups have called for Francis to speak out on the issue. He could mention it in a speech or meet with victims privately, as he has done previously on several trips.
But his official schedule currently includes no events with victims.
