pope Francis urges support for landslide in Myanmar

pope Francis urges support for landslide in Myanmar

Pope Francis has called on the international community to offer help to those affected by a catastrophic landslide in northern Myanmar’s Kachin State. The disaster hit a jade mining area in the overnight hours of Monday, sowing destruction and despair.

Elon and his children during their visits' to Pope. But I thought Elon only have Lil X as his child, any idea some can tell me? pic.twitter.com/yjQcMmjmpV

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The Pope said he was close to the victims while speaking at the Vatican for his Wednesday General Audience. He referred to the landslide that killed some people, left others missing and destroyed homes. He prayed for those killed, for those missing and their families, and for solidarity and aid, given the need was urgent.

May the #Jubilee2025 be for Christians and non-Christians alike an opportunity to rethink the relationships that bind us as human beings and political communities. Let us overcome the logic of confrontation and embrace the logic of encounter, in order to build a future of peace.

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Impact of the Landslide

The landslide hit multiple houses in the mining area, burying or damaging at least 50 houses. At least 12 were killed, according to the Associated Press. Many more are unaccounted for, leaving families and communities in pain.

Call for Global Solidarity

Pope Francis called on the international community to support those suffering from this tragedy. We must face the odds by standing still united in such difficult times,

He said he was praying that victims and their families will find peace and strength. He asked for prayers to support them through this trial and to guide the efforts for recovery.

A Broader Message for Peace

The Pope seized on the occasion to speak about the overarching problem of wars that continue across the globe. He called for prayers for people who are suffering in war-torn places, including Ukraine, Myanmar and parts of Palestine and Israel. His words expressed his continuing concern about world peace and the suffering and oppression of innocent people victimized by violence.

All Religion condemned the Arms Trade

The Pope also issued a condemnation of arms manufacturers, who he said were complicit in goal of the manufacture of violence. He requested that their hearts would be changed, expressing that they would see the pain that their products inflict. “War is always a defeat,” he reminded, noting the moral and humanitarian cost of conflict.

The Pope said prayer can bring about change. He asked the faithful to pray not only for those who fall victim to tragedies but also for an end to the cycle of violence. He called for a world without weapons, replaced by peace and for solidarity to become a guiding principle.

Response from the Church

Historically, the Catholic Church has often served as a leading figure in grounding peace and supporting affected communities. Cardinal Bo has been a strong supporter for justice in Myanmar. Most recently he has celebrated the appointment of a new bishop to Kachin State, where there is ongoing conflict, giving hope to a war-torn region.