Myanmar’s Cardinal Bo Reiterates Call for End to Violence as Thousands Flee Homes| National Catholic Register

YANGON, Myanmar — Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon in Myanmar appealed for an end to violence on Sunday as thousands of civilians continue to flee their homes in the conflict-ridden Southeast Asian country. “Nobody deserves violence, the torture, incarceration, and death that we witness in our country for the last four months,” said the prelate in a message during Mass on Sunday. The United Nations estimated that up to 230,000 people have already been displaced by fighting in several parts of the country, as armed ethnic groups wage war against state forces. The activist group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported that about 5,200 people have been detained and at least 881 people have already been killed since February, when the military seized power in a coup. “May the healing touch of Jesus our Lord touch each one of us, the nation and all its leaders and bring peace,” said Cardinal Bo in his homily during Sunday Mass. The cardinal said Myanmar is experiencing “dark moments of challenges” as “thousands of our countrymen and women are in desperate need for food, medicine and shelter.” The prelate reiterated his earlier call for prayer as he appealed to everyone “to share, as St. Paul says, out of our abundance.” He said the conflict added to the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Myanmar’s Cardinal Bo Reiterates Call for End to Violence as Thousands Flee Homes| National Catholic Register