President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar has joined the call of the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres and Pope Francis, for a global cease-fire to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement released in Yangon on 22 April 2020 Cardinal Bo addressed the situation in his own country, Myanmar, and called for an end to hostilities worldwide.

“Without cessation of fighting everywhere,” he says, “the suffering of many will be prolonged the world over and healing delayed indefinitely.”

“The whole planet is in crisis. Every initiative now taken by our leaders will shape our nation and our world for years to come. The pandemic’s consequences are catastrophic for public health and for social and economic life,” the cardinal warned.

Making a passionate appeal to the nation’s leaders the cardinal said, “If we truly wish Myanmar to emerge a united, peaceful, prosperous people, now is the time for speedy, aggressive, respectful decision. Now is the time for wise, coherent, future oriented action. This is no time to escalate conflict.”

“I am convinced that continued military operations, precisely when the whole nation is suffering a crisis, will have catastrophic consequences for our nation,” the cardinal mourned.

The cardinal who is also archbishop of Yangon exhorted Myanmar leaders, “Now is the time for decisions that will build Myanmar as a united, peaceful, prosperous nation and member of the family of nations. Conflict makes Myanmar especially vulnerable.”