(UCAN): During his general audience on November 5, Pope Leo XIV prayed for people suffering from conflict around the world and urged the international community not to forget the people of war-torn Myanmar, Vatican News reported.
“I invite you to join me in prayer for all who are tried by the violence of war in different parts of the world,” the pope said
In particular, Pope Leo prayed for the people of Myanmar, urging the international community “not to forget the Burmese people and to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance.”
The pope’s prayer and appeal came as Myanmar faces its worst humanitarian crisis, with an economic meltdown triggered by ongoing civil war between the military junta and armed resistance groups.
The conflict, sparked by the military coup in February 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government, has caused thousands of deaths and displaced around three million people.
Ongoing fighting between the military and resistance groups has destroyed villages and towns with airstrikes and artillery fire. Millions living in makeshift shelters lack adequate food, water, and medicine.
The pope’s prayer and appeal came as Myanmar faces its worst humanitarian crisis, with an economic meltdown triggered by ongoing civil war between the military junta and armed resistance groups
According to the United Nations, more than half of Myanmar’s estimated 55 million people need humanitarian assistance.
Among the worst affected are the Rohingya Muslim minority, who have lived in Rakhine State for generations but have been subjected to systematic violence and abuse, including denial of citizenship and basic rights.
About 1.2 million Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh in recent decades to escape military crackdowns and persecution.
More than 750,000 fled after a deadly military crackdown in 2017, which followed Rohingya militant attacks on security outposts in Rakhine. The United Nations described the crackdown as “a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”
According to the United Nations, more than half of Myanmar’s estimated 55 million people need humanitarian assistance
Those who remain in Rakhine State continue to face severe movement restrictions, denial of citizenship, and apartheid-like conditions, according to Vatican News.
Analysts say the civilian government’s failure to hold the military leadership accountable for the violent crackdown on the Rohingya proved costly. The same generals, led by military chief Min Aung Hlaing, staged the 2021 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, leading to the current civil war.
Earlier on October 19, Pope Leo remembered the people of Myanmar in his prayer.
“The news from Myanmar is sadly distressing: there are reports of ongoing armed clashes and aerial bombardments, including the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. I am spiritually close to those who are suffering as a result of the violence, insecurity, and many hardships,” Pope Leo said.
“I renew my heartfelt appeal for an immediate and effective ceasefire. May the instruments of war give way to those of peace, through inclusive and constructive dialogue,” he said.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the junta plans to hold national elections in December—an effort critics see as a ploy to legitimise its grip on power, and which human rights groups dismiss as a sham.
