Pope Francis expresses his concern at the recent political events in Myanmar, where tens of thousands of citizens are protesting Monday’s military coup.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with the people of Myanmar on Sunday and called on their leaders to show their willingness to serve the common good.
Speaking after the Angelus’ prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said that he has been following the events in Myanmar with great concern, “a nation that I hold with great affection since my apostolic visit in 2017”.
“In this delicate moment, he said:” I wish to ensure my spiritual closeness, prayer and solidarity with the people of Myanmar “.
“I pray,” continued the Pope, “that political leaders show a sincere desire to serve the common good, promoting social justice and national stability” in view of harmonious and democratic coexistence, and asked the faithful to join to him prayer for the nation.
Biggest protests in years
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people gathered in Myanmar on Sunday to denounce last week’s coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in the biggest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution that helped lead to democratic reforms .
On a second day of widespread protests, crowds in the largest city, Yangon.
In the afternoon, the military junta ended a one-day Internet blockade that has further fueled anger since Monday’s coup.
A line of police armed with riot shields set up barricades, but did not try to stop the demonstration. Some protesters reportedly presented flowers to the police as a sign of peace.
The coup was carried out by army commander Min Aung Hlaing, who alleged fraud in the November elections in which, de facto leader and symbol of democracy, Suu Kyi’s party won an overwhelming victory. The electoral commission rejected the charges of malpractice.
More than 160 people have been arrested since the military took power.