Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo |
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Belo in 2016
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| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| See | Lorium (titular see) |
| Appointed | 21 March 1988 |
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| Ordination | 26 July 1980 |
| Consecration | 19 June 1988 by Francesco Canalini |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 February 1948
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| Nationality | East Timorese |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Residence | Maputo, Mozambique |
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| Alma mater |
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| Motto | Caritas Veritatis-Veritas Caritatis |
| Signature |  |
| Styles of Carlos Ximenes Belo |
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| Reference style | The Most Reverend |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
| Religious style | Monsignor |
Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo is a very important person from East Timor. He is a Catholic leader. People often call him Carlos Belo or Ximenes Belo. He was born on February 3, 1948.
He became a bishop in 1988. From 1988 to 2002, he was the main leader of the Catholic Church in Díli. In 1996, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. He shared this award with José Ramos-Horta. They won it for working towards peace in East Timor. This was during a difficult time for the country. He is also a member of a religious group called the Salesians.
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Early Life and Religious Path
Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo was the fifth child in his family. He was born in a village called Wailakama. This village is near Vemasse, on the north coast of Portuguese Timor. His father, who was a schoolteacher, passed away when Carlos was only two years old.
Carlos went to Catholic schools in Baucau and Ossu. Then, he joined a seminary in Dare, near Dili. He finished there in 1968. From 1969 to 1981, he studied philosophy. He studied at the Catholic University of Portugal and the Salesian Pontifical University. He also spent time training in East Timor and Macau.
Carlos made his final promises to join the Salesian Society on October 6, 1974. He became a priest on July 26, 1980. In 1981, he returned to East Timor. He became an Indonesian citizen because Indonesia had taken over East Timor. For a while, he taught at the Salesian College at Fatumaca. He later became the director there.
Leading the Church in East Timor
In 1983, another church leader, Monsignor Martinho da Costa Lopes, left his position. Carlos Belo was then chosen for this important role. On March 21, 1988, he became the main leader of the Catholic Church in Dili. He was also named a bishop.
On June 19, 1988, he officially became a bishop. Archbishop Francesco Canalini helped with this ceremony. Carlos Belo chose a special motto for himself. It means "Charity of Truth – Truth of Charity."
Bishop Belo continued the work of the previous leader. He spoke out against violence and arrests. He also tried to tell the world about the problems in East Timor. He wanted people to know what was happening there.
In February 1989, he wrote letters to important leaders. He wrote to the president of Portugal, the Pope, and the head of the United Nations. He asked the UN to help East Timor. He wanted them to hold a vote about the country's future. He also asked for help for the people of East Timor. This request became public in April.
He also helped young people who were escaping violence. He gave them a safe place in his own home. This was after the Santa Cruz massacre in 1991. He worked hard to show how many people were harmed.
Nobel Peace Prize and Later Years
Carlos Belo's hard work for peace was recognized. On December 10, 1996, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. He shared it with José Ramos-Horta. After winning the prize, he met with many world leaders. These included US President Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela from South Africa.
After East Timor became independent on May 20, 2002, Bishop Belo went to Portugal. He needed time to rest and recover. He later said he was very tired. On October 28, 2002, he met with Pope John Paul II.
On November 26, 2002, Pope John Paul II accepted his resignation. This meant Bishop Belo stepped down from his role in Dili. He was 54 years old at the time. A new leader, Bishop Basílio do Nascimento, took his place.
Life After East Timor
After leaving his role, Bishop Belo traveled to Portugal. He received medical care there.
By early 2004, some people wanted him to return to East Timor. They hoped he would run for president. But in May 2004, he said he would "leave politics to politicians."
In June 2004, Bishop Belo started working in Mozambique. He described his new role as an "assistant parish priest." He teaches children and helps young people. He said he chose Mozambique because he already knew the language. He also said he wanted new leaders to guide East Timor.
Other Recognitions
Carlos Belo has received several other awards for his work:
- In 1995, he received the John Humphrey Freedom Award. This award is from a Canadian human rights group.
- On August 3, 1988, he received the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty. This was from the government of Portugal.
- In 2004, he received an honorary doctorate from CEU Cardinal Herrera University.
- In 2010, he was named the Lusophonic Personality of the Year. This was by the International Lusophone Movement.
See also
- List of peace activists
