Church sex abuse scandals in East Timor met by silence, but Pope Francis’ visit brings new attention

When the Vatican acknowledged in 2022 that the Nobel Peace Prize-winning, East Timorese independence hero Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo had sexually abused young boys, it appeared that the global clergy sexual abuse scandal that has compromised the Catholic Church’s credibility around the world had finally arrived in Asia’s newest country. And yet, the church in East Timor today is stronger than ever, with most downplaying, doubting or dismissing the claims. Pope Francis will come face to face with the Timorese faithful on his first trip to the country but so far, there is no indication he will meet with any victims or even mention the abuse directly.