Cardinal Charles Maung Bo has urged Myanmar’s military and resistance groups to pursue inclusive peace talks, protect civilians and address grievances that have prolonged the country’s armed conflict.
Speaking at an interreligious prayer gathering in Naypyitaw on Nov. 3, Bo appealed to national leaders, ethnic organizations, political groups and armed movements to seek a negotiated settlement.
More than 700 people from different religious communities attended the gathering in Myanmar’s capital.
“Please choose the table of dialogue over the battlefield. Choose negotiation over destruction. Choose the difficult work of reconciliation over the seemingly easier path of retaliation,” said Cardinal Bo.
The prelate urged national leaders to bring all parties into negotiations, including representatives of ethnic communities, armed organizations, civil society and religious groups.
He said peace efforts must address the concerns of communities affected by violence and allow participants to negotiate without fear.
“A genuine invitation to dialogue must be more than a gesture. It must create an atmosphere in which all parties can participate meaningfully, speak honestly, listen respectfully, and explore solutions without fear,” he said.
Bo warned that reconciliation cannot come at the expense of justice and accountability for those who have suffered during the conflict.
“Peace does not mean abandoning justice. Peace does not mean silencing the suffering of victims. Peace does not mean ignoring legitimate grievances or pretending that everything is well,” he said.
He called for recognition of past suffering, respect for human rights and opportunities for victims to seek redress.
The cardinal also urged armed groups to refrain from violence against civilians and allow humanitarian assistance to reach communities affected by the fighting.
“Let us protect schools, hospitals, places of worship, homes, villages, and the lives of innocent people,” he said.
Bo proposed local ceasefires, humanitarian arrangements and mediation as possible steps toward broader negotiations.
He encouraged opposing groups to maintain communication despite political disagreements and consider humanitarian cooperation as a way to rebuild trust.
The cardinal expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on children, particularly those whose education, safety and family lives have been disrupted.
“Let us not allow our children to inherit a conflict that we were unwilling to resolve,” he said.
Bo urged religious communities to assist displaced families, support vulnerable children and promote reconciliation among communities divided by the conflict.
He said temples, churches, mosques and monasteries should serve as places of compassion and support rather than encourage hostility.
The cardinal also appealed to neighboring countries, regional organizations and the international community to support humanitarian assistance and efforts toward an inclusive political settlement.
“Peace cannot simply be imposed from outside. It must take root among the people themselves,” he said.
Bo called on all parties to explore opportunities for de-escalation, ceasefire arrangements and dialogue, stressing that any settlement must respect the dignity and legitimate concerns of Myanmar’s communities.
“Peace is not a dream for another generation. Peace is our responsibility today,” he said.
