Cardinal Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon, said thousands of people fleeing conflict in Myanmar are hiding in the jungle or crossing the border in search of work as migrant workers. Although there are no signs of mediation, people have not lost faith.
Vatican News
Myanmar has been plagued by violence since a military coup in 2021 that toppled Aun San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government and plunged it into conflict.
Speaking to Vatican media, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon, spoke of the dire situation in which an estimated 40,000 migrants are currently crossing the borders in search of safety.
“People hide in the forests, many young people become migrant workers, forced to flee due to the complicated situation in the country,” said Cardinal Bo.
This conflict, which involves not only the army and the rebels, but also the public security forces, shows no signs of abating, and the cardinal highlighted the serious uncertainty of the situation: “At the moment, it is unpredictable. We cannot see very clearly. It’s hard to know what will happen next.”
Asian Summit in Laos
Despite international efforts, including a recent meeting of Asian countries held in Laos this month aimed at finding a way to address the war in Myanmar, Cardinal Bo said progress toward peace remains difficult.
“Both sides have been urged to stop fighting, but the rebels on the ground maintain their positions while the army carries out airstrikes. It is very difficult,” he said.
The Pope’s tireless appeals
The cardinal noted that Pope Francis never forgets the suffering nation and continues to draw attention to Myanmar in his angelic messages, saying: “Never forget Myanmar.”
The Bishop of Varma called for dialogue, echoing the Pope’s concerns: “We do not blame any of the parties. On the contrary, we call on them to sit at the negotiating table for reconciliation.”
Asked about the military junta’s call for peace talks, Cardinal Bo acknowledged the challenges to trust between the warring factions but said he remained hopeful: “At the moment, the fighting continues. But we are firm in our faith that peace is possible.”
faith is strong
The Archbishop of Yangon expressed his appreciation for the faith of the victims.
“One thing that is very surprising is that many ethnic groups, despite hiding in the forests and losing everything, never forget God. They pray and keep their faith.”
Finally, Cardinal Bo reaffirmed his commitment to hope and prayer: “We try not to lose faith. God has his times. Peace is possible and peace is the only way. For peace, “dialogue is the only way.” exit”.
