Statement: Appeal by the Cardinals of Asia to all concerned in Myanmar for Peace and Reconciliation

The Statement

It is with deep sadness and great distress that we have been following the events in Myanmar. There is too much anger, too much violence, too much blood shed, too much suffering and pain inflicted on a peace-loving populace which only seeks unity, harmony and opportunity for progress in freedom.

There have been repeated appeals for calm from the highest quarters. The United Nations Security Council unanimously appealed for a de escalation of violence. Pope Francis has made repeated appeals for peace, harmony and justice. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for ‘Dialogue, Reconciliation and Return to Normalcy.”

We, the Cardinals of Asia, join in making a fervent appeal to all concerned: the military, the politicians, the demonstrators, all religious leaders and the Church: PEACE, PEACE, PEACE. Peace is possible. Peace is necessary.

Please begin a dialogue to find a solution, a way to go ahead. The image of a religious sister kneeling on the streets of Yangon and pleading for a laying down of arms is etched in the minds of the world.

The people of Myanmar we know are peace loving and only seeking an opportunity for progress. They have been law abiding and cooperating with all authorities. At the moment they only seek harmony and end to violence.

Asia is a continent of peace and hope, of warm family bonds. We are one family. All of us want to help you. But you must begin at home. Peace is possible!

And so to our dear brother Cardinal Bo we say: We are with you. We share your pain and anguish. We join you as you lead your people in prayer to God for a speedy resolution of the conflict, and for light to all to see a way towards a solution. Violence is never a solution; force is never a solution. It only gives rise to more pain and suffering, more violence and destruction. We earnestly appeal to all religious leaders in Myanmar to join us in this prayer for peace, in this appeal for peace and in making efforts for peace.

We pray to Mother Mary to whom the people of Myanmar and all of us have special devotion. Mother, intercede for the people of Myanmar, for the country of Myanmar. Bring them back the peace they so much deserve and are crying out for. Guide them back to the path of freedom on which they were moving recently.

God bless Myanmar. God bless Asia.

March 19, 2021