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

On Monday, September 9th, Pope Francis will arrive in East Timor, following visits to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Pope Francis will be the first pontiff to visit the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country since its independence from Indonesia. Despite the festive mood in the capital, Dili, a massive construction project has stirred up controversy. A sprawling new altar built for the Pope has displaced local residents and raises questions about the true cost of this historic visit.

DW's Georg Matthes reports on the pope's controversial visit.

#popefrancis #easttimor #pope'sasianvisit

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[MikhailJoss-gojg]

It means that the land and property laws are completely messed. Laws and regulations are not being adequately administered.

[supershooter]

That’s done by the government. Not the Pope’s action.

[lindaokova]

Why demolish peoples homes and businesses for a one day trip. Doesnt make any sense

[rodneylavitoria]

If the pope will knew it im sure he will not like it!

[rockspeter]

In every development, the poor face the consequences

[M_SC]

Why is the news anchor look like he’s play acting the 80s

[kilanspeaks]

It is sad that the government of Timor-Leste has evicted poor people from their homes and demolished their houses in the run-up to the Pope's visit. And for what? To hide their poverty so that the world does not see the real Timor-Leste? Does this not defeat the purpose of bringing someone of the Pope's calibre into the country? 😞 Belun doben sira iha Timor Lorosa'e, ha'u deskulpa tebes ba tratamentu la justu ida-ne'e hosi governu. Favor hatene katak ema hotu iha direitu atu moris ho dignidade.

[JerzyFeliksKlein]

Love how the church spokeperson pretends they have nothing to do with it. Ofcourse you don't. I'm sureyou couldnot even have protested against it. Remindsme of the clearing of Brazilian favellas before Pope's visit to Brazil which is beautifully portrayed in the Elite Squad/BOPE.

[Luvinist]

Oh DW, you really know how to dampen the mood, don't you.

[Kenan]

dont blame goverment, this people sometimes over cross the boundaries of publick land... hope they will get what they deserve with some compensation

[Derom-rmfg]

Plz care for the poor.. Of course development is needed but not to ignore, , provide them alternative

[domingosmoniz]

DW should find out if their property has a licence and certificate or not. If someone example in Germany just builds their property on a land owned by council/government, what the government will I would like DW to find a smart logical answer. If I could just build my house anywhere I like, does the government exist? Every country has their rules to follow, please do not use the visit of The Pope as an excuse!!!! DW journalist, please be more sensible, I used to like your documentation but for this I know the truth

[mikejose]

Why in the middle of the conjunction river? If there's heavy rain probably the river flood will filled the lagoons and washed it all away.

[theresiagoh]

That is gov land & people dont mind, after the Altar demolished they will come back. They are happy with the Pope visit. Just looked at the video, how many people turned out to greet Holy Father

[Maria-ssn]

I see the second leg of the pope's Oceania trip is in full swing

[BarkingSpyda]

I'm sure this News Reader is from ... ⭐TEAM AMERICA ⭐

[juamu]

timor was supposed to be a new singapore. lol now it's singapoor hahahaha

[pointblank]

How is an altar 1 million dollars? It boggles the mind. It was literally a bunch of stones

[gilacalaovianasimoes]

Don't worry; people always complain about anything, it doesn't matter what happens to their lives. Anywhere in" East Timor". More important for the East Timor People are We independent and not dependent.

[TimeTime-mynz]

The Church don't know nothing. Suddenly it was built. Oh Lord, It's a miracle! 😂