In the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, and amid the ongoing civil strife that continues to devastate the nation, the Catholic Church in Myanmar has made a heartfelt appeal to the international community for solidarity, humanitarian aid, and support in rebuilding shattered communities.

Father Peter Kyi Maung, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, conveyed the urgent plea in a message to the Vatican’s Fides news agency. “We are not just rebuilding churches and schools—we are trying to restore faith and hope in communities torn apart by conflict,” he stated. “The need for assistance has never been more critical.”

The Diocese of Mandalay’s Emergency Rescue Team has been working tirelessly to assess the structural damage to churches, catechetical classrooms, pastoral centers, and community facilities. According to Fr. Kyi Maung, these sites “desperately need restoration—not only to house the faithful but to reestablish the spiritual heart of the community.”

Calling this moment “a time of trial,” he urged Catholics worldwide to extend their prayers, resources, and compassion to Myanmar. Despite the widespread devastation, the local Catholic community has found a glimmer of hope in the recent election of Pope Leo XIV.

Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay sent a message of warm congratulations to the new Pontiff, urging him to lend his moral authority to the cause of peace in Myanmar. “His election has stirred interest and admiration not only among Catholics but also among Buddhists, Muslims, and Protestants,” said Archbishop Tin Win. “It has become an opportunity for witness and spiritual unity.”

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon and a member of the papal conclave, shared that he had personally asked Pope Leo XIV not to forget Myanmar and expressed hope for a papal visit in the near future.

Echoing these sentiments, Dominican Father Paul Aung Myint expressed confidence that the new Pope would act as “a voice for the voiceless”—especially for those suffering in silence in Myanmar and across other conflict-ridden regions of the world.

In the face of rubble, repression, and displacement, Myanmar’s Church stands as a resilient beacon of faith, calling on the world not just to look—but to act.