Pope to International Community: ‘Don‘t forget the people of Myanmar'

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis on Sunday called on the International Community to take action for the people of Myanmar who continue to suffer violence and displacement following the military coup on 1 February 2021.

Speaking after the recitation of the Angelus prayer, the Pope said that he joins "the appeal of the bishops of that beloved land that ask the International Community not to forget the Burmese people,“ not to forget their human dignity and the respect for the right to life, as well as for places of worship, hospitals, schools.

This week Myanmar‘s Catholic Bishops wrapped up their General Assembly with a final statement expressing their deep concern for the plight of civilians who continue to bear the brunt of the country‘s ongoing civil war.

They called on all sides of the conflict to respect human life and dignity saying: "Human dignity and the right to life can never be violated. We strongly ask for respect for life and for the sacredness of places of worship, hospitals, schools.“

800,000 internally displaced

According to non-governmental organizations, over 1,900 civilians have been killed and 11,000 arrested since the military coup of 1 February 2021, which ousted the newly reelected NDL party over unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has reported more than 800,000 internally displaced people.

Moreover, the Tatmadaw -  the Burmese army -  has reportedly continued to target churches and its institutions.

Pope Francis concluded his appeal imparting his blessing on the Burmese community in Italy, which he said, is represented here today.