Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, has written to Cardinal Vincent Nichols to thank him for his letter expressing prayerful solidarity with the people of Myanmar as the country faces intense challenges.
The military carried out a coup on 1st February following a general election in which incumbent leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won by a landslide.
Cardinal Bo, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, calls for continued prayer and values the solidarity expressed by Catholic leaders, not least Pope Francis:
'Pope Francis, ever the prophet of mercy to those in margins, has twice already referred to our people’s challenges through prayers and best wishes. His prayers and fellowship by people like Your Eminence make our journey at this most trying time in our history a consoling balm.'
He concludes be reinforcing the need for Myanmar’s faithful to focus on 'prayer and peaceful means' at this time.
Responding to this letter, Cardinal Vincent reiterated his solidarity with Cardinal Bo and the people of Myanmar, reassuring them of his prayers at this difficult time, and re-affirmed his support 'for the pathway of peace and dialogue'.
Cardinal Vincent last visited Myanmar in January 2020, as President of the Santa Marta Group, to attend a conference working to combat human trafficking and modern slavery.
Full Text of Cardinal Bo's letter
9th February 2021
Dear Eminence,
Peace of Christ.
Your Eminence’s letter of solidarity to the people of Myanmar is a moving tribute to Your Eminence’s compassion. We still cherish our happy memory of your visit to Myanmar more than a year ago.
Solidarity like this poignant message makes us proud to be Catholic belonging to the global Catholic families. Pope Francis, ever the prophet of mercy to those in margins, has twice already referred to our people’s challenges through prayers and best wishes. His prayers and fellowship by people like Your Eminence make our journey at this most trying time in our history a consoling balm.
Country struts along precariously amidst roller coaster emotions and thousands of youth taking to streets. Having learnt painful lessons from history, we, as Bishops’ Conference, gathered this morning and instructed our faithful to choose prayer and peaceful means for facing the uncertain times.
We deeply appreciate Your Eminence’s prayers and implore Your indulgences through prayers for this beleaguered nation.
In fellowship,
+ Charles Bo
Archbishop of Yangon
President CBCM
