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France 24
France 24
World
NEWS WIRES

Pope Francis speaks out against ‘every kind of abuse’ of children in East Timor visit

In this handout photograph taken on September 9, 2024 and released by Vatican Media, Pope Francis writes in a guestbook prior to his meeting with East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta at the Presidential Palace in Dili. © Vatican Media via AFP

Pope Francis spoke out against child sexual abuse during his visit to East Timor on Monday, indirectly acknowledging a long-running abuse scandal involving independence hero Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo. Thousands of devotees journeyed from remote areas and crossed the Indonesian border to witness the first papal visit since the country won its independence in 2002.

Pope Francis received a raucous welcome Monday as he arrived in East Timor to celebrate its recovery from a bloody and traumatic independence battle, even as he indirectly acknowledged an abuse scandal involving its Nobel Peace Prize-winning hero.

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