ASIA/MYANMAR - Bishops: Peace and education are crucial for Myanmar's future

Yangon (Agenzia Fides) – The theme of peace was at the center of the assembly of the Myanmar Bishops' Conference, which recently took place in Yangon and concluded with a solemn Mass in Yangon Cathedral, presided over by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, with the rite of closing the Holy Door and the Jubilee Year.
All the bishops, priests, and religious from Yangon, representatives from other dioceses, numerous nuns, 140 seminarians, and thousands of faithful participated in the Mass. Pope Leo XIV's message for the 59th World Day of Peace, "Peace be with you all: towards an 'unarmed and disarming' peace," provided the backdrop for all the contributions delivered during the four days of dialogue and assembly of the Burmese bishops.
The bishops met in Yangon, despite travel difficulties due to the precarious situation and the numerous checkpoints along the road, full of military checkpoints and those of armed groups vying for control of the territory. They gathered to share their concerns and hopes for the new year. The words of Pope Leo XVI on peace, and specifically on Myanmar, during his "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on December 25th, were particularly encouraging and motivating: "Let us ask the Prince of Peace to illuminate Myanmar with the light of a future of reconciliation, restoring hope to the younger generations, guiding its entire people along paths of peace, and accompanying those who live without shelter, security or confidence in tomorrow."
In light of the complex situation in Myanmar and global events, the bishops emphasized the urgent need to understand and put into practice the Pope's words: “It is desirable that every community throughout the world become a ‘house of peace,’ where people learn to defuse hostilities through dialogue, practice justice, and preserve forgiveness. More than ever, we must show that peace is not a utopia.” In Myanmar, the Burmese bishops stressed, the Catholic Church is a driving force for peace and reconciliation through men and women who strive daily to live according to the example of Christ, the only source of true peace in a context marked by profound crisis. The bishops also discussed the situation in the earthquake-affected areas, noting that this event was not only a natural disaster but also a test of the resilience and mission of the Catholic Church, which has offered assistance to all people regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnicity. The bishops also addressed the Apostolic Letter of Leo XIV, "Designing New Maps of Hope," commemorating the 60th anniversary of Vatican II's “Gravissimum educationis” declaration, and the connection between education and evangelization.
The bishops noted that Myanmar's future depends on educational work for the new generations, in which all members of society participate, especially families and schools. They emphasized the importance of well-trained educators and formators. In the context of the civil war in Myanmar, the education sector, blocked in many areas, is suffering greatly. Groups of religious and Catholic volunteers are providing educational support to children and young people in numerous communities whose education has been interrupted.
The mission of the Catholic communities in the country continues while the nation is engaged in the process of national elections, following the coup d'état five years ago. The elections, which began on December 28 and are scheduled to take place in several phases until January 25, are being held in areas controlled by the military junta and without the participation of democratic parties. According to a recent analysis published by the BBC, the military controls approximately 21% of Myanmar, including the major cities; 42% is controlled by resistance forces and ethnic militias, while the remaining territory is contested by hostilities. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 7/1/2026)

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