During the first day of the Holy Father’s visit to Myanmar, Pope Francis met the Commander-in-chief of the country’s Armed Forces yesterday.
Senior General Min Aung Hliang and the Pontiff had a discussion at the Archbishop’s house in Theinbyu road in Yangon right after the Pope arrived in Myanmar on Monday afternoon, accompanied by Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon.
Part of the meeting was about pure encouragement for all the Myanmar people that there is no religious discrimination in Myanmar as the country ensures religious freedom and that all religions are in favor of the eternal principle.
Pope Francis said that mutual respect among all the religions can build the country with prosperity. He was also pleased to hear that Myanmar is having an internal peace process. Well ahead, the Holy Father prayed for the development, tranquility and ensuring peace of the country.
Meanwhile, the Holy Father traveled to Nay Pwi Taw on the second day of his visit. Official Welcome Ceremony and courtesy call to the President of Myanmar, happened today at the Presidential Palace.
On the late afternoon, The Holy See had a meeting with the State Counselor and the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs and was followed by the Pope’s meeting with the authorities, the Civil Society and the Diplomatic corps which took place in the International Convention Center in Myanmar. Right after the meetings, the State Counselor of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed the pontiff and shared some kind words, thanking the Pontiff in visiting their country. She added that the gifts of compassion of Pope Francis and encouragement that he bring to all people of Myanmar, will be treasured and his messages of peace during the celebration of world day of peace will always be in their hearts. The State Counselor also said that Myanmar is longing for peace, national reconciliation and social harmony and that the youth are the children of the church and her prayers are for peace, love and joy.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis shared the words of peace and reconciliation, religious freedom and the rights of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. The Holy father also said that he is grateful for the kind words of Aung San Suu Kyi for him. The Pontiff added that Myanmar has been so blessed with great natural beauty and resources and its greatest treasure is its people who suffered greatly and continue to suffer from civil conflict and hostilities. In this sense the Pope appreciated the efforts of the Government especially through Panglong Peace Conference who aims to end the violence, build trust and ensures respect for the rights of all who call Myanmar their home.
