Timor-Leste spared no expense for Pope Francis’ historic visit to one of the world’s youngest and poorest countries, totaling $12 million. This decision drew criticism from activists and human rights organizations in a nation where almost half the population lives in poverty.
The government approved the cost for the two-day visit, including $1 million for building an altar for a papal Mass, back in February through the Council of Ministers.
The seaside capital, Dili, was adorned with fresh paint, banners, and billboards to welcome the pontiff, who had previously visited Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
About 42 percent of Timor-Leste’s 1.3 million population lives below the poverty line, with limited job opportunities and high unemployment rates, mainly relying on subsistence farming for income.
Despite a budget of $3.16 billion for 2023, only $4.7 million was allocated to increase food production, emphasizing the exaggerated nature of the $12 million spent on the papal visit, as stated by Marino Fereira from the Timor-Leste Institute for Development Monitoring and Analysis.
Lao Hamutuk, a non-governmental agency, has urged the government to prioritize people’s needs over ceremonial expenditures to address critical issues affecting the population.
Facing challenges like high inflation and decreased cereal production, a significant portion of Timor-Leste’s population is experiencing acute food insecurity, with approximately 27 percent affected from May to September.
Minister of State Administration Tomas Cabral acknowledged that the $12 million spending was excessive but defended it, stating that it includes infrastructure development like road constructions and renovations of churches and public facilities.
Cabral highlighted that $1.2 million was set aside for transportation and logistics to facilitate the attendance of people across the country at the pontiff’s Mass.
Viewing the visit as an opportunity to showcase its independence journey, Timor-Leste aims to leverage the pope’s visit to promote tourism and raise its global profile.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the displacement of families and the crackdown on vendors in preparation for the event, prompting outrage among rights activists and citizens.