Myint Swe, a 74-yr-old Buddhist expressed his joy and concern and is looking forward to Pope Francis’ visit to Myanmar which he believes will help improve interfaith harmony and heal the wounds of the Rakhine crisis. Myint Swe, president of Religions for peace-interfaith group based in Yangon conveyed that the pontiff will experience a hospitable welcome from local Buddhists who are anticipating his November 27-30, visit.
As reported by ucanews.com, Myint Swe remarked that “We couldn’t have imagined five years ago that the pope would visit Myanmar but now the dream is not only true for Catholics but also for the blessing and benefit for the majority Buddhists and the message what we want to convey is how people among religions collaborate together towards peace and harmony.” Fr. Joseph Mg Win, an organizing committee member for the Pope’s visit said, “We have close relationships with different religions in Myanmar and so they are eager to contribute in the preparations for the Pope’s visit.”
Buddhist monasteries, Protestant and Catholic Churches in Yangon will provide places of shelter for thousands of Catholics across the country. A public Mass by His Holiness Pope Francis at Kyaikkasan grounds in Yangon on November 29 is expected to welcome more than 150,000 Catholics and people from other faiths.
