Residents evicted prior to Pope Francis’ first-ever visit to deeply Catholic East Timor | DW News

Summary

Pope Francis is set to visit East Timor, marking the first papal visit to the predominantly Roman Catholic nation since its independence. However, the construction of a $1 million altar for the visit has sparked controversy, displacing local residents in the capital, Dili. Despite the excitement for the Pope's arrival, many are angry over forced evictions and the unclear financial compensation. While the local Church claims responsibility only for the altar's construction, not the evictions, the government's actions have cast a shadow over the historic visit.

Takeaways

• 🛕 The Pope is visiting East Timor, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, marking a historic occasion.
• 🏗️ A new altar costing approximately $1 million has been constructed in anticipation of the Pope's visit, causing controversy.
• 🗯️ Local residents, especially those facing eviction for the altar's construction, express anger and concern over displacement.
• 🏠 A family is among those told to leave their long-time home, highlighting the human impact of the construction project.
• 🤝 Despite the controversy, many locals still eagerly anticipate the Pope's visit as a highlight of the year.
• 🏛️ The government is accused of marking houses for demolition with red numbers, indicating a lack of concern for the affected residents.
• 💬 Requests for interviews with the government have gone unanswered, suggesting a lack of transparency or responsiveness to concerns.
• 💰 There is uncertainty regarding the compensation and the amount residents will receive after being ordered to leave.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Baros family has been spared from eviction for now, but the future remains uncertain for many others.
• ⛪ The local Church claims responsibility only for the altar's construction, not the evictions, placing blame on the government.
• 🇹🇱 East Timor has a special connection to the Church, dating back to Pope John Paul II's visit in 1989 during the country's struggle for independence.

Q & A

What is the Pope's next destination on his tour?

The Pope's next destination is East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste.

Why is the Pope's visit to East Timor historic?

The Pope's visit to East Timor is historic because he will be the first pontiff to visit the predominantly Roman Catholic country since its independence from Indonesia.

What has stirred controversy in the capital, Dili, ahead of the Pope's visit?

A massive construction project for a new altar built for the Pope has stirred controversy, as it has displaced local residents and raised questions about the true cost of the visit.

What is the estimated cost of the new altar in East Timor?

The cost of the new altar in East Timor is around $1 million US.

How are local residents reacting to the construction of the altar?

Many local residents are angry, especially those who have been evicted to make way for the altar. They express concern about their future living situation and the lack of clarity on compensation.

What was the government's response to the controversy surrounding the altar construction?

The government did not respond to the request for an interview, indicating a lack of communication regarding the concerns of the local residents.

What is the role of the local Church in the evictions and construction?

The local Church has stated that it is only responsible for the construction of the altar and not for the evictions, suggesting that the government is handling the eviction process.

What is the historical connection between East Timor and the Vatican?

East Timor has a special connection to the Vatican, as Pope John Paul II visited the country in 1989 when it was still under Indonesian occupation, and his visit was followed by a protest against the occupiers.

How did the previous papal visit impact East Timor?

The previous papal visit led to change, as it was followed by a protest against Indonesian occupation, showing the Church's support for independence.

What is the sentiment of the local Catholic community towards the Pope's visit despite the controversy?

Despite the controversy, many in the local Catholic community, such as Candido Baros, still want to welcome the Pope with open arms, highlighting the deep-rooted Catholic faith in the country.