“PEACE AND FREEDOM”
Timor-Leste has a complex history marked by centuries-long Portuguese rule, decades of occupation by neighbouring Indonesia, and a United Nations-backed referendum that allowed it to break free.
The pope’s comments on abuse came after he was welcomed on arrival by the man who shared the Nobel with Belo, President Jose Ramos-Horta, a liberation icon for his work towards achieving Timor-Leste’s independence.
The leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholic faithful also hailed the country’s new era of “peace and freedom” in his evening address, two decades after it achieved independence from neighbouring Indonesia.
Timor-Leste emerged from the brutal occupation that left more than 200,000 Timorese dead, and Francis is the first pope to visit the country since then.
Locals said they wanted the pope to bring a message of harmony – as he did in Indonesia last week.
“I hope that through this visit Papa Francisco will bring a message of peace,” said Francisco Amaral da Silva, a 58-year-old lecturer.
CELEBRATIONS BEGIN
The city had a US$12 million makeover before the visit and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao helped sweep the streets with locals as the government rolled out the red carpet.
Authorities have also relocated street vendors in areas where Francis will travel, prompting criticism on social media.
Rights groups say some makeshift homes were demolished in preparation for the mass. The government says they were erected illegally.
Francis’ schedule includes meetings with Jesuits, children and the Catholic faithful.
But the trip’s highlight will be the colossal mass on Tuesday, expected to draw 700,000 worshippers.
Some locals saw his visit as an opportunity to sell pope merchandise.
Teacher Silverio Tilman, 58, set up a stall selling pope T-shirts, raking in more than US$600 in two days – double the average monthly salary.
“We prepare these items, in case the pilgrims need them to attend the holy mass. We are not seeking big profits,” he said.
