During his apostolic journey to Asia and Oceania between the 2nd and 13th of September, Pope Francis had several meetings with local Jesuits. Among the different topics addressed at these meetings, one central part was the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. The former leader of Myanmar, human rights advocate, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been in prison since the military took over Myanmar in 2021. The Pope renewed his appeal for her release and offered refuge to her in the Vatican.

“I called for the release of Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi and received her son in Rome. I offered the Vatican as a place of refuge for her.”

While conversing with a Burmese Jesuit who asked the Pope for advice during these challenging times in his country, Pope Francis recalled his visit to Myanmar in 2017 and his meetings with Aung San Suu Kyi and members of the persecuted Rohingya. He admitted that the situation is difficult in Myanmar but found encouragement because many good people are fighting for their country. He said the only way forward is peace and restoring respect and rights to all.

“The future of your country must be peace, based on respect for the dignity and rights of all; respect for a democratic order that allows each person to contribute to the common good.”

Pope Francis reminisced about the bravery of a nun who kneeled before the military with her hands raised. He then expressed his wish that more young people would have the courage of the nun and praised the Church in Myanmar for its bravery.

Source: Vatican News

Photo: World Economic Forum