Pope Francis expresses concern at recent political developments in Myanmar, where tens of thousands of civilians are protesting Monday’s military coup.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis on Sunday expressed solidarity with the people of Myanmar, calling on leaders to be willing to serve the common good.
Following the Angelus Prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said he was following with great concern the developments in Myanmar, “a nation that I have fondly carried 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,” continued the Pope, “that those who bear political responsibility are sincerely willing to serve the common good, promote social justice and national stability” with a view to harmonious and democratic coexistence, and he asked the faithful to to join him. prayer for the nation.
Biggest protests in years
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people in Myanmar gathered on Sunday to denounce last week’s coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, amid the biggest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution that contributed to democratic reforms.
On a second day of widespread protests, crowds in the largest city, Yangon.
In the afternoon, the military junta ended an all-day blockade of the internet that had sparked even more anger since last Monday’s coup.
A line of armed policemen with riot shields erected barricades, but did not try to stop the demonstration. Some protesters reportedly gave the police flowers as a sign of peace.
The coup was perpetrated by army commander Min Aung Hlaing who claimed fraud in November elections in which Suu Kyi’s party, the de facto leader and symbol of democracy, won a landslide. The Election Commission rejected the allegations of malpractice.
More than 160 people have been arrested since the military took power.