World News for Students of English

11-09-2024 07:00

On September 9th, Pope Francis visited East Timor, marking the first papal visit to the predominantly Roman Catholic country since its independence from Indonesia.

While the capital, Dili, was in a festive mood, controversy emerged over a massive new altar built for the Pope’s visit. The construction cost around 1 million dollars and displaced many residents. Some families were forced to leave their homes and businesses, and they are concerned about their future as they await unclear compensation. The local church claims responsibility for the altar’s construction but distances itself from the evictions, saying it is the government’s decision.

East Timor has a strong historical connection to the Catholic Church, as Pope John Paul II visited during the Indonesian occupation in 1989. While the previous papal visit inspired protests for independence, this one has sparked debate over the social and economic cost.

Difficult words: papal (relating to a pope or the Roman Catholic Church), compensation (money awarded to someone), eviction (money paid to someone in exchange for something that has been lost or damaged, or for some problem).

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