The Catholic Church, with the actions of the pope, played a significant role in the international discourse and resolution concerning the self-determination of the former Portuguese colony, according to an interview given by Mário Robalo.
Mário Robalo, speaking in light of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Timor-Leste, reflected on the political and religious leader’s decision not to kiss the ground upon arrival in Dili. He explained, “It was a diocese of the Vatican, his own home,” of which he was the bishop, with Ximenes Belo serving locally as the apostolic administrator.
The decision was interpreted by some as conceding that Timor-Leste was an integral part of Indonesia, although Robalo contends the opposite was true. “John Paul II would not kiss the Vatican’s ground,” he clarified.
The pontiff was “very explicit,” intending to make it clear that, in this context, he would not “pay homage to someone else’s home,” similar to what he had done earlier in Jakarta, a reading Robalo suggests remains unexplored today.
“The first mobile satellite phone that Xanana Gusmão had was brought by D. Ximenes Belo through the Vatican’s diplomatic pouch,” which Indonesian authorities “couldn’t open,” Robalo highlighted.
Thirty-four years ago, during a visit to the territory, coordinated with the future bishop and the resistance, and under close scrutiny by Indonesian forces, Mário Robalo primarily used taxis operated by members of the underground network fighting the occupation.
“The great wisdom of Xanana was in integrating the resistance among the masses, not just through arms,” he praised.
Robalo’s brief detention as a former Expresso journalist in Dili occurred after a member of the independence organization acted as a “double agent,” alerting Indonesian military forces about the interview Robalo conducted with Xanana.
The agent was executed as a result.
Robalo later returned to the former colony on three occasions. On his first visit, out of “ethical concerns,” he met with the family of the Timorese person who was condemned for betrayal.
Mário Robalo shared these thoughts with the Lusa news agency in connection with his essay “Timor Leste: An Arduous Fight for Freedom,” featured in the latest issue of the “Ipsis Verbis” magazine. This issue commemorates the 50th anniversary of the April 25 Revolution, coordinated by Luís Filipe Torgal and Basílio Torres, and recently released by the Oliveira do Hospital School Group.
