Report by David da Costa
During Pope Francis’ meeting with President Ramos Horta, government officials, and dignitaries at the Presidential Palace yesterday (9/09), he requested that no more children and adolescents suffer violations of their dignity. The Pope emphasized the importance of preventing abuse against children and adolescents.
“And let us not forget the many children and adolescents wounded in their dignity. This phenomenon is emerging all over the world. We are all called to act responsibly to prevent all forms of abuse and ensure a serene growth for our young people,” Pope Francis stated.
Pope Francis also called for investment in education, both at home and in schools—education that centers on children and young people and promotes their dignity.
“I was delighted to see the children smiling with their bright white teeth. There were children everywhere. The enthusiasm, freshness, forward-looking vision, courage, and typical ingenuity of youth, combined with the experience and wisdom of the elders, create a rich blend of knowledge and generous impulses for the future.”
Three days ago, FONGTIL, an umbrella organization of all NGOs in Timor-Leste, issued an open letter to Pope Francis, asking him to advocate for measures to prevent sexual abuse committed by church and national leaders.
“Sexual abuse is a serious violation of a person’s dignity and has a significant impact on both women and men, especially children. Victims suffer mentally and psychologically, often experiencing long-term depression, which affects their productivity,” said Valentim da Costa Pinto, Director of FONGTIL.
In the past five years, the Catholic Church in East Timor has faced ongoing issues related to sexual abuse by priests. In Oecusse-Ambeno, Priests America and Richard Dascbach were involved in sexual abuse against children and received 12-year sentences. In previous years, Bishop Belo also faced disciplinary sanctions and was banned from contacting children.
On the same occasion, Pope Francis urged everyone to continue with renewed confidence and commitment to the construction and consolidation of institutions in the Republic, so they are capable of effectively serving the people of East Timor and ensuring that citizens feel represented and effectively supported.