Asian countries Myanmar and Bangladesh will be visited by Holy Father Pope Francis, in November of this year (2017), to analyze, understand and to seek special attention on the deteriorating conditions of the Rohingya Muslim minority. The Apostolic Journey to Myanmar is set from November 27 to 30 of the month and to Bangladesh from 30th November to 2nd December, 2017.
As reported by theguardian.com, His Holiness moaned in his message to the pilgrims gathered at St. Peter’s Square that “I would like to express my closeness to all the suffering Rohingya brothers and sisters.” His Holiness remarked this after the clashes between Myanmar security forces and suspected Rohingya militants that left many people dead. Greg Burke, Director of the Holy See Press Office made this official announcement in a statement along with the logos for the trip and stated that “Pope had welcomed the invitation of the respective heads of the state and Bishops.”
The logo for the papal visit to Myanmar depicts Pope Francis releasing a white dove from within a heart drawn in the colors of Myanmar’s flag: yellow, green and red while Bangladesh logo has colored streamers in the shape of a dove, with a cross raised over a water lily (Bangladesh’s national flower) within it. Above, the official motto for the Apostolic Journey “Harmony and Peace” is written in red. The visit to Myanmar will be the first by any Pope to the country formerly known as Burma; Pope John Paul II visited in 1986.
