Pope Francis expresses concern over recent political developments in Myanmar, where tens of thousands of citizens are protesting the military coup on Monday.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his solidarity with the people of Myanmar 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 he was following with great concern the events in Myanmar, “a nation I have in my heart with great affection, since my visit. apostolic there in 2017 “.
“At this delicate time, he said, ‘I want to ensure my spiritual closeness, prayer and solidarity with the people of Myanmar.’
“I pray,” the Pope continued, “that those with political responsibilities show a sincere will to serve the common good, promoting social justice and national stability” in the face of harmonious and democratic coexistence, and called on the faithful let them join him in prayer for the nation.
The largest 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 largest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution. which helped lead to democratic reforms.
On a second day of widespread protests, crowds in the largest city, Yangon.
In the afternoon, the military junta put an end to an all-day internet blockade that had still ignited anger since last Monday’s coup.
A line of police armed with riot shields set up barricades, but did not try to stop the demonstration. Some protesters presented flowers to police as a sign of peace.
The coup was carried out by army commander Min Aung Hlaing, who claimed fraud in a November election in which, as the de facto leader and symbol of democracy, Suu Kyi’s party won a defeat. The election commission dismissed the allegations of malpractice.
More than 160 people have been arrested since the military took power.