Skip to Content
AP National

East Timor’s Catholics rally behind accused Nobel bishop

KIFI
By
Published 6:46 AM

By GANTRY MEILANA, NICOLE WINFIELD and BARRY HATTON
Associated Press

DILI, East Timor (AP) — East Timor’s Catholics have reacted with shock but also expressions of support for revered independence icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo following allegations he sexually abused boys decades ago in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation. The Vatican admitted Thursday that its sex abuse office had secretly sanctioned the bishop in 2020, restricting his movements and contacts with minors and forbidding him from having contact with his homeland. The Vatican revealed the restrictions after a Dutch magazine exposed the claims against Belo by two of his alleged victims and reported there were others, too. The Holy See has not responded to questions about when church officials first suspected possible misconduct by Belo.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content