Pope appeals for peace in Myanmar, asks for prayers

Published: 2007-10-01

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar and urged the entire church to pray for the Asian country. Speaking at his Sunday blessing Sept. 30, the pope also encouraged dialogue between North and South Korea and asked the world not to forget the suffering caused by poverty and recent flooding in African countries. The pope's comments on Myanmar came after at least 10 people were reported killed when the country's military junta cracked down on anti-government protests. "I am following with great trepidation the extremely serious events in Myanmar, and I want to express my spiritual closeness to this dear people as they pass through a moment of difficult trial," the pope said. In late September, government soldiers violently dispersed demonstrations led by Buddhist monks in Yangon, Myanmar's capital, firing on crowds, occupying or barricading Buddhist monasteries and arresting many of the monks.

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