Concerned About The Military Coup, Pope Francis Sends Prayers For The People Of Myanmar

Protesters against the military coup rallied on motorbikes in the Mandalay area, Myanmar. (Wikimedia Commons / Kantabon)

JAKARTA - The leader of the World Catholic Church who is also the Vatican Head of State, Pope Francis, regretted the military coup in Myanmar on February 1.

The Pope also expressed his support and solidarity for the people of Myanmar, while asking the leaders to seek democratic harmony, to serve the community as well as possible.

This was conveyed by Pope Francis in a speech on Sunday 7 February in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The Pope said he was following the situation of the Thousand Pagoda Country he visited in 2017 with deep concern.

"In this very sensitive moment, I want to once again confirm my spiritual closeness, my prayers, and my solidarity with the people of Myanmar", he said.

"I pray for those who hold positions of responsibility in the country (Myanmar) to show a willingness to serve together, social justice, and national stability for harmonious and democratic coexistence", Pope Francis hoped.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people rallied across Myanmar on Sunday to denounce the February 1 coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in the biggest protests since the 2007 Saffron Revolution that helped lead to democratic reforms.

Crowds rallied peacefully, according to a message from the Archbishop of Myanmar Cardinal Charles Maung Bo. He asked the public not to use violence and remain calm in voicing opposition to Myanmar's military coup earlier this week.

“I urge each of you to remain calm, never to become victims of violence. Even at this most challenging time, I believe that peace is the only way. There are always non-violent ways to express our protests, "he appealed to Cardinal Charles Maung Bo.

It is known that the Myanmar military led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing staged a coup, followed by the detention of around 134 people on 1 February. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Myanmar President U Win Myint are among those detained by the military. The rest are politicians, monks to directors.