Cardinal Bo Calls for Peace in Myanmar

Myanmar, January 9, 2025: As the Catholic Church inaugurates the Jubilee of Hope, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), expressed his fervent hope for peace in the conflict-stricken nation. In a New Year message on January 1, the Archbishop of Yangon called for an end to violence and urged national reconciliation to restore Myanmar's dignity after nearly four years of civil war.

Myanmar has been embroiled in conflict since February 1, 2021, when the military ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), triggering nationwide armed resistance. The ensuing violence has claimed over 6,000 civilian lives, led to 28,000 arrests, and displaced 3.3 million people, according to United Nations reports. The junta, supported by China and Russia, continues to face resistance from ethnic armed groups controlling more than half of the country. In his message, Cardinal Bo condemned the atrocities committed by the military and called for prioritizing the protection of civilians, particularly children. “May 2025 be the year when peace blossoms in every heart and every corner of Myanmar,” he wrote, emphasizing that no life should be devalued and no community marginalized.

Highlighting the role of youth as “architects of peace,” Cardinal Bo urged investment in education and opportunities to empower young people to rebuild the nation's soul. He emphasized that true peace is rooted in justice, dignity, and compassion. "Reconciliation is not just a process; it is a choice—a choice to love beyond the pain, to build beyond the destruction," he added.

Despite repeated appeals from the Catholic Church and Pope Francis, the Burmese military has shown little willingness to ease its brutal campaign, with churches in Christian-majority regions targeted by airstrikes. Diplomatic efforts, including those by ASEAN, have failed to resolve the crisis, and skepticism surrounds the junta’s promise to hold elections in 2025.

In a rare gesture, the military announced the release of nearly 6,000 prisoners on January 4, marking Myanmar's Independence Day. However, Cardinal Bo’s message underscores that the road to lasting peace lies in justice, reconciliation, and hope for a united future.

Courtesy: Vatican