Pope arrives in Myanmar - comment from CAFOD

Posters line the streets

Source: Vatican Radio/CAFOD/ICN

Pope Francis arrived in Yangon on Monday afternoon local time, (morning in the UK) to crowds of cheering and dancing faithful, as he begins his Apostolic Journey to Myanmar. The Holy Father was greeted at Yangon's airport by the Apostolic Nuncio to Myanmar, Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam, and the country's bishops. Also welcoming the Pope was a state delegate representing Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw.

The streets are decorated with welcome messages. Hundreds of faithful robed in traditional dress lined the streets to express their joy for Pope Francis' arrival through dance and song. Pope Francis celebrated Holy Mass in private at the Archbishop of Yangon's residence before having dinner and resting for the remainder of the day.

The Holy Father will fly to Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw tomorrow, where he will make a courtesy visit to the president and meet with State officials and members of civil society.

Aboard the papal plane bound for Myanmar, Pope Francis briefly greeted the journalists accompanying him on his 21st Apostolic Journey. He thanked them for their accompaniment and work, which, he said, "always bears fruit". The Pope also wished them a safe trip and said, "They say it is too hot now. I'm sorry, but may it be fruitful nonetheless."

The temperature in Yangon now is 32C.

Chris Bain, director of CAFOD, commented: "The crucial message the Pope will bring to Myanmar and Bangladesh is one of dialogue, peace and reconciliation. His core message will be for leaders to sit down and talk. He can't do much in two days, but he can sow some seeds, he can speak to the leaders, particularly religious leaders, and hope they can be catalysts for change in the future.

"I am deeply distressed at the horrific scenes of suffering and of vulnerable people fleeing extreme violence. The humanitarian community are cleaning the wounds of this crisis, as we have done before when faced with terrible violence on a massive scale.

"He is sure to tell leaders in Myanmar that the world has seen the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, and reports of violence in Rakhine state, and they can't ignore what is going on.

"The Pope's visit brings much needed hope to two countries reeling from recent events, including flooding and conflict. CAFOD reiterates the call Pope Francis is making for peace and reconciliation, and an end to the violence and fear affecting thousands of people.

"Although the Catholic population in both countries is small, the Catholic Church in Myanmar and Bangladesh play a key role advocating for peace and dialogue.

"Pope Francis is one of the most outspoken world leaders on issues of justice, poverty, and crucially for Myanmar and Bangladesh, the impact of climate change, which is another theme he will be sharing.

"Both Myanmar and Bangladesh face an increasing risk of strong storms, floods, and droughts which displace, kill and destroy the livelihoods of millions of people. Those who are most affected are always the poorest and most vulnerable.

"Supporting Pope Francis' message in his encyclical Laudato Si', CAFOD are calling for a more inclusive discussion about how we can protect our common home and ensure the economy serves the people and not vice versa. Protecting the environment and addressing the causes and impacts of climate change are key to this."