Sadness, disbelief, statements of support and demands for justice for the victims dominated the debate on social networks about the allegations of sexual abuse of minors against the former apostolic administrator of Dili, Ximenes Belo.
After an initial silence regarding the news published by the Dutch newspaper De Groene Amsterdammer, this Wednesday, in the last 24 hours, the publications on social networks about the case have multiplied.
The ecclesiastical hierarchy in Portugal learned about the Ximenes Belo case at least 12 years ago, before the visit of Benedict XVI
Comments and publications that reflect the divisions in the treatment of this issue on the part of the predominantly conservative East Timorese society, and that had already been revealed during the investigation and trial of former North American priest Richard Daschbach, sentenced in December to 12 years in prison. prison for five crimes of sexual abuse of minors.
Former priest sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexual abuse of minors
There are several posts sharing news published in the meantime on the subject with the demand for “justice for victims”.
The problem is not religion, the problem is the people who do evil,” wrote a Timorese woman on Facebook, the most used social network in the country.
At the same time, however, they are Dominant declarations of “total” support for Ximenes Belo and references to his role in the fight for the independence of Timor-Leste, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996.
Ximenes Belo. Vatican says it only learned of suspected abuse in 2019
“I support Ximenes Belo without reservation,” wrote an East Timorese woman.
Numerous Internet users, including Timorese journalists, posted an image of Ximenes Belo as their profile picture, with many question the veracity of the news.
“Savior and motivator of the Maubere people in the struggle for the liberation of the homeland. Respect,” one netizen wrote.
“Courage and strength for ‘Amo’ Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, who is now facing a difficult situation,” wrote another.
Many of the comments on the case Question the fact that the alleged abuses were only reported decades after they occurred..
Most of the comments do not refer to statements made in the meantime by the Church hierarchy, namely the Holy See’s announcement that it had imposed disciplinary sanctions on Ximenes Belo in the last two years, following allegations that the Nobel Peace Prize had been sexually abused. minors in Timor-Leste in the 1990s.
Despite accusations of sexual abuse of minors, Ximenes Belo will not lose the Nobel Peace Prize
In a statement, the Vatican spokesman said the cabinet that handles sexual abuse cases received complaints “about the behavior of the bishop” in 2019 and within a year imposed sanctions.
The sanctions include limits on the bishop’s movements and the exercise of his ministry, as well as a ban on voluntary contact with minors or with Timor-Leste.
The measures were “modified and reinforced” in November 2021 and on both occasions Ximenes Belo formally accepted the punishment, spokesman Matteo Bruni added in the statement.
EITHER subject has been virtually ignored by the Timorese presswith paper newspapers, online portals and the official Timorese agency, Tatoli, without publishing any news on the subject.
Ramos-Horta says he prefers to wait for information from the Holy See about Ximenes Belo
Only GMN television stands outwho had an extensive interview with the highest representative of the Holy See in Dili, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi.
The near silence of the Timorese press continued on Thursday, when President José Ramos-Horta commented on the case upon his arrival in Dili, at a press conference with dozens of journalists.
The press published several articles about other aspects of the press conference, ignoring statements about the Ximenes Belo case.
Source: Observadora
