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Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, Myanmar, expressed his thanks for the message of support from Pope Francis and the work on the ground done by Catholic organizations as his country works to recover from a deadly earthquake.
Pope Francis issued a statement of condolence shortly after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28.
The message “comes as a soothing balm of consolation to our people,” Bo told Vatican News. “I am deeply touched that despite his recent sickness, his heart beats for our people.”
The earthquake killed at least 3,000 people in Myanmar, reported the Associated Press on Tuesday. An additional 22 people were killed in neighboring Thailand.
The death toll in Myanmar is expected to rise as bodies continue to be discovered. The scope of the devastation even prompted the country’s junta, which has controlled the Burmese government since May 2021, to declare a temporary ceasefire.
Cardinal Bo himself was near the country’s capital of Naypyidaw when the earthquake hit. He told Vatican News “we saw huge craters created on the road,” and that he was delayed by five hours in order to safely navigate the damage caused by the earthquake.
'Churning anxiety'
“We were put into churning anxiety as our car uncontrollably veered towards the sides as the travelers made all vehicles lose control. When we saved our car, we found many motorcyclists thrown on the road as they lost control. It was a scary moment for all of us, even on the open spaces,” he told Vatican News.
While Cardinal Bo made it to his destination safely, he witnessed the “crushing anxiety of ordinary people,” as well as “poignant scenes of men and women rushing through the roads, seeking safety as the earthquake sent shivers through their bones.”
The earthquake was a “shattering experience to see nature colluding with other forces in exacerbating our people’s suffering,” said the cardinal.
Long-suffering nation
Prior to the earthquake, Myanmar had been in a state of civil war for nearly four years. The junta currently ruling Myanmar has destroyed many Catholic buildings, including multiple cathedrals, in recent months.
Catholics, Cardinal Bo told Vatican News, have played a role in helping the country recover, both from the earthquake and the ongoing war.
“We are deeply touched by the promise of support by the Catholic Church everywhere. The people need food, shelter, medicine, and all life-saving materials. More than anything, our people need peace, not the churning anxiety triggered by the multidimensional crisis,” he said.
Additionally, Cardinal Bo created the Myanmar Earthquake Response Church Initiative (MERCI), which will help coordinate church-based relief efforts.
“I have called for a wider meeting soon, including the Church and the Caritas personnel from all affected areas,” he said.
“We are consoled by the sign of support from the Church partners and the unwavering and deeply touching message from the Vatican and our Vatican representative here.”
