Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo (b.1948) is an East Timorese Roman Catholic bishop known for his advocacy for peace and human rights during Indonesia’s occupation of East Timor (1975–99.) He was awarded the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize alongside José Ramos-Horta for efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Born in Wailacama, East Timor, Belo studied at Catholic schools before joining the Salesians of Don Bosco. Ordained in 1980, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Dili (1983–2002,) becoming a key figure in East Timor’s struggle for independence.
Belo’s leadership was marked by nonviolent resistance, denouncing human rights abuses and advocating for self-determination. His 1994 open letter to the United Nations called for military withdrawal and democratic reforms, influencing the 1999 referendum that led to East Timor’s independence in 2002.
After resigning in 2002, Belo moved to Mozambique as a missionary priest. In 2020, the Vatican sanctioned him following allegations of sexual abuse. Biographies include Arnold S. Kohen’s Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo: Bishop, Peacemaker, Nobel Laureate (2001,) exploring his role in East Timor’s independence, and Charles Scheiner’s East Timor: Testimony (1999,) covering his advocacy for peace and human rights.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo
Under your shoulders. Dear young people of the entire world, weigh the responsibility to transform tomorrow’s world into a society where peace, harmony, and fraternity reign.
—Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo
Topics: Youth
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