Pope Francis Encourages Timor-Leste Amid Abuse Scandal and Independence Celebrations

Pope Francis was warmly received in Timor-Leste, celebrating its recovery from a tumultuous independence struggle. He indirectly addressed an abuse scandal involving Nobel laureate Carlos Ximenes Belo. The Pope encouraged reconciliation and peaceful development, while the nation's leaders downplayed the scandals involving revered figures.

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.

Timorese jammed Francis' motorcade route into town from the airport, waving Vatican and Timorese flags and toting yellow and white umbrellas — the colours of the Holy See — to shade themselves from the scorching midday sun. "Viva el Papa!" they shouted as he passed by. The 87-year-old Francis seemed to relish the greeting, smiling broadly from the open-backed pickup truck and waving as he passed by billboard after billboard featuring his image and words of welcome.

In remarks to them and other dignitaries Monday, Francis applauded the Timorese people for having recovered from their "greatest suffering and trial" to put East Timor on the path of peaceful development. And he praised them for having reconciled with Indonesia. But he said new challenges and problems were now confronting the country, Asia's newest, including emigration and poverty, as well as alcohol abuse and violence involving martial arts gangs.

(With inputs from agencies.)