Pope: "The Myanmar People's Aspirations Cannot Be Crushed by Violence"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Pope Francis expressed deep concern over the bloody situation in Myanmar and condemned the military for its harsh crackdown on protesters.

According to local media on the 3rd (local time), the Pope mentioned the Myanmar situation during the general audience on Wednesday, saying, "Dialogue takes precedence over oppression, and harmony over discord." He added, "The aspirations of the Myanmar people cannot be crushed by violence," urging the international community to mediate efforts to prevent innocent casualties. He also prayed that the young generation of Myanmar could dream of a future where hatred and denial recede, and meetings and reconciliation come.

The Myanmar military staged a coup to seize power last November, claiming that serious fraud occurred in the general election but the government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi did not properly investigate it. Since then, protests against the coup have continued across the country, and the military and police have violently suppressed them, leading to a bloody situation. It is understood that nearly 30 people have died so far due to live ammunition fired by the Myanmar military and police.

Meanwhile, on the same day, the Pope reaffirmed his intention to visit Iraq, scheduled for the 5th to 8th. The Pope's visit to Iraq is the first in history. However, concerns about safety remain due to the unstable security situation in Iraq and the impact of COVID-19.