Myanmar: Amidst the escalating brutality of internal conflict, Catholic leaders in Myanmar have expressed profound gratitude for Pope Leo XIV's renewed, impassioned appeal for peace. As violence and forced displacement continue to ravage communities, particularly in the north-central Sagaing region, the Church stands as a beacon of hope and aid, while simultaneously bearing witness to untold civilian suffering and the deliberate targeting of educational institutions.
Pope Leo XIV's focus on the enduring violence in Myanmar during his Angelus prayer on Sunday, June 15, has been warmly received by Church officials. Father Peter Sein Hlaing Oo, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, conveyed to the Vatican's Fides News Agency the profound encouragement derived from the Pontiff's message, especially for communities increasingly isolated by the crisis. "We thank him for his words and his attention to the suffering of the civilian population," stated Fr. Peter, emphasizing the solace it provides.
Fr. Peter painted a harrowing picture of the ground realities in Sagaing, describing villages "abandoned or reduced to rubble due to the constant bombing." This area, within the Mandalay Diocese, has borne the brunt of clashes and immense civilian hardship. With populations fragmented across territories controlled by both the regime and resistance forces, countless Catholics find themselves tragically caught in the merciless crossfire, feeling "helpless and defenseless."
Despite the palpable dangers, the Church's dedicated network of priests, religious, and lay catechists remains steadfast. They continue to deliver essential aid and spiritual sustenance to affected regions, often venturing into perilous zones scarred by firefights. "Our priests are courageously working for the people, especially the elderly, women, and children, who often lack even the bare necessities," Fr. Peter affirmed. The Archdiocese's efforts are further complicated by the compounding aftermath of a recent earthquake, intensifying the humanitarian challenge. Despite the overwhelming adversity, daily prayers, Masses, and vigils continue, anchoring the community in faith and hope for the nation's future.
In Yangon, Joseph Kung, a lay Catholic and university lecturer, echoed concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, highlighting the Vatican's crucial attention to the crisis. He pointed to the devastating reality that "civilian infrastructure continues to be attacked and destroyed by the army throughout the country," as noted by the Pope. Kung passionately condemned the targeting of schools, citing the recent airstrike on Oe Htein Kwin village in Sagaing, which tragically claimed the lives of 20 students and two teachers. He labeled this incident a source of "pain and outrage," underscoring the profound human cost beyond mere displacement.
The conflict's relentless grip has led to ongoing civilian displacement across Kachin, Chin, and Rakhine States. Reports from the dioceses of Bamaw and Myitkyina corroborate widespread village destruction and forced evacuations, depicting a nation in profound turmoil. Mr. Kung emphasized that Pope Leo's consistent public appeals have served as a vital wellspring of hope, fostering a sense of solidarity for communities that have endured four years of civil conflict and often feel abandoned. Despite the pervasive exhaustion and suffering, he underscored the unwavering resilience of the faithful, who remain steadfast in their prayers, entrusting their hardships to the divine and to the Virgin Mary.