Pope Visit: Myanmar and Rohingya

pope visit: During the visit starting Nov. 27, Francis will be toeing a very delicate diplomatic line, given that he has in the past strongly condemned the persecution of our Rohingya brothers, denounced their suffering and called for them to receive full rights, according to Metro News. In a videomessage to Myanmar released Friday, Francis didn't mention Rohingya or the conflict, but said he wanted to bring a message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace to Myanmar. Cardinal Charles Bo spoke to The Associated Press ahead of Pope Francis' visit next week to Myanmar and Bangladesh, to where nearly 620,000 Rohingya have fled to escape the violence by Myanmar security forces in the poverty-wracked Rakhine state. He said that message was rooted in the Gospel, which teaches the dignity of every man and woman and compels us to open our hearts to the other, especially the poorest and neediest. He said the military had mounted a disproportionate response to attacks on Myanmar security forces by Rohingya militants. Bo said Suu Kyi certainly should have spoken out earlier against the looting, burning and killing in Rakhine. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.