Dili, Timor-Leste — In a recent open letter dated September 5, the Fórum Organizações Não-Governamentais de Timor-Leste (FONGTIL), a leading civil society organization, has called on Pope Francis to encourage action from the Church leaders against sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.
FONGTIL’s Executive Director, Valentim da Costa Pinto, in a WhatsApp interview, highlighted the profound impact of sexual abuse, stating, “Sexual abuse is a serious violation of human dignity that affects both women and men, especially minors. Victims endure significant mental and psychological trauma, which often results in long-term depression, reduced productivity, and discouragement from society.”
The organization’s letter urges Pope Francis to encourage Church leaders in Timor-Leste, as well as the public and families, to stand up against abuse perpetrated by those in positions of power.
FONGTIL also condemned the perpetrators of sexual abuse and called for them to be held accountable under national laws.
The Catholic Church in Timor-Leste has faced significant controversies in recent years, including cases involving a priest and a bishop. Notably, Richard Daschbach, an American priest serving in the Oecusse-Ambeno enclave, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually abusing minors. Additionally, Bishop Carlos Belo, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Apostolic Administrator of Dili, has been subjected to Vatican-imposed “disciplinary restrictions” and banned from contacting minors.
FONGTIL’s call to action seeks to bolster efforts to address and prevent sexual abuse within the Church and ensure justice for victims.
