The Catholic bishops of Myanmar have aligned with Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace, casting the Church as a neutral moral voice as global conflicts deepen.
Apr 16, 2026
A screen showing a portrait of Pope Francis is seen as members of the clergy wait for the arrival of the pope to lead mass at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon on November 30, 2017. (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)
YANGON: In a statement, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar said it “raise[s] our united voice in profound solidarity” with the pope as the world faces “conflict, division, and uncertainty.”
The bishops underscored the pope’s refusal to take sides, describing him as “a clear and courageous moral voice—a shepherd speaking truth in love,” whose message “transcends political alignments and national boundaries.”
“Like a voice crying in the wilderness, he calls humanity back to the path of peace, justice, and reconciliation,” the statement said.
They highlighted what they described as his “impartial and compassionate stance, refusing to favor any side, yet firmly upholding the dignity of every human life,” framing it as a direct challenge to the logic of war.
“Peace is not the victory of one side over another, but the triumph of our shared humanity,” the bishops said.
Drawing from Myanmar’s own experience of conflict, the bishops said the pope’s message carries particular weight in their context.
“From our own land of Myanmar, where the wounds of conflict are keenly felt, we resonate deeply with his call,” the statement said.
They urged world leaders to abandon violence and pursue dialogue.
“We join our prayers with his, imploring all nations, leaders, and peoples to lay down arms, open hearts, and seek the difficult but necessary path of dialogue and peace,” they said.
The bishops also called on communities to respond to the pope’s example.
“May the courageous witness of the Holy Father inspire all of us to become instruments of peace in our own communities,” the statement said.
They closed by assuring the pope of “our filial closeness, our prayers, and our steadfast support.”-–licas.news
