Pope Francis expresses his concern over the recent political developments in Myanmar where tens of thousands of citizens are protesting Monday’s military coup.
By Linda Bordoni
On Sunday, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the people of Myanmar and called on his leaders to be prepared to serve the common good.
After the Angelus prayer on St. Peter’s Square, the pope said he was following with great concern the developments in Myanmar, “a people I have carried with much love in my heart since my apostolic visit there in 2017.”
“At this delicate moment, he said, ‘I want to ensure my spiritual closeness, prayer and solidarity with the people of Myanmar. ‘
‘I pray,’ the Pope continued, ‘that those who have political responsibility show sincere willingness to serve the common good, to promote social justice and national stability’ with a view to a harmonious and democratic coexistence, and he the believers asked to go with him to pray for the nation.
Biggest protests in years
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people rallied in Myanmar on Sunday to denounce last week’s coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi during the biggest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution that led to democratic reforms.
In a second day of widespread protests, crowds arrived in the largest city, Yangon.
In the afternoon, the military junta ended a day-long blockade of the internet that has further fueled anger since the coup last Monday.
A line of armed police with riotous shields set up barricades but did not try to stop the protest. Some marchers allegedly presented flowers to police as a sign of peace.
The coup was carried out by Army Commander Min Aung Hlaing who demanded fraud in an November election in which Suu Kyi’s party, de facto leader and symbol of democracy, was displaced. The Electoral Commission rejected allegations of malpractice.
More than 160 people have been arrested since the army took power.