Timor-Leste prepares for first papal visit since independence

Clerks ABUSE CASES

While Timor-Leste is pious Catholic, it is also one of the world’s poorest nations, heavily reliant on oil and gas profits that authorities say may be depleted within times.

Despite that, the state is rolling out the red carpet for Francis.

It has allocated US$ 12 million to the visit, including US$ 1 million for the large temple, which was located next to a huge rosary on Sunday.

With around 42 per cent of Timor-Leste’s people living below the poverty line, Francis is likely to feel on economic and social problems.

Some are profiting from his browse in the process. &nbsp,

Professor Silverio Tilman, 58, set up a street stall in Dili selling bishop products, raking in US$ 600 in two weeks, more than double the average monthly salary.

Among its difficulties, Timor-Leste suffers alleged state problem, major gender-based violence, domestic misuse of persons with disabilities and child labour.

The pontiff’s most contentious problem is, however, the controversy surrounding clergy-related child abuse cases.

A Nobel-prized pope is one of them, and the Vatican has been imprisoned in secret for allegedly abusing young kids for years.

Activists have urged Francis to talk out on the subject. He could explain it in a speech or fulfill with victims in person, as he has earlier done on numerous outings.

However, his current standard schedule does not already include any incidents involving victims.