Pope Francis’s Visit to Dili: Anticipation Amidst Local Struggles

Anticipation and Discontent in Dili: Pope Francis’s Visit

Banners welcoming Pope Francis have been unfurled across the streets of Dili, the vibrant capital of East Timor, with preparations underway to greet the pontiff with enthusiasm. The city has undergone a transformation, with its streets meticulously scrubbed and walls freshly painted in anticipation of his arrival. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father, who is scheduled to land on Monday. However, beneath the surface of this excitement, some residents have found themselves grappling with distress and loss.

Joana Fraga Ximenes, a local vendor, stands amidst the rubble that once constituted her home and street stall, where she sold various sundries. Earlier this year, she recounted how the authorities abruptly ordered her to vacate her property, claiming she had just three days to relocate because the pope’s motorcade would pass through her street. Eventually, bulldozers arrived to clear the area.

“Why do we have to hide the poverty?” Ms. Ximenes, 42, lamented over the weekend. “This is our reality. The pope is not coming to witness the polished aspects of Timor-Leste. He is here to see our genuine lives.”

Pope Francis’s two-day visit, marking the third stop on his Asia-Pacific tour, holds significant importance for East Timor, officially known as Timor-Leste in Portuguese, which is one of its two official languages. With nearly all of its 1.3 million people identifying as Catholic, the church has historically played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. However, this rich history is now overshadowed by the recent clergy abuse scandal, which has marred the church’s reputation. Notably, one of the independence movement’s prominent figures, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, has faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors that occurred decades ago.

“Why do we have to hide the poverty?” asked Joana Fraga Ximenes once more, reflecting her frustration as she stands beside her husband, Tome da Costa, amidst the remnants of their former life. The couple embodies the struggles faced by many in the community.

East Timor is recognized as one of the world’s youngest nations, having gained independence in 2002 after enduring decades of Indonesian occupation. It is also one of the poorest countries globally, with more than two-fifths of its population living in poverty. A significant majority of its residents rely on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. This dire economic reality has led critics to question the elaborate stagecraft involved in orchestrating the pope’s visit.