Cardinal Bo: Let 2026 be a year of disarmed peace for Myanmar

In his Christmas message, the archbishop of Yangon prays for peace in a country that has been torn by civil war for almost five years. He writes: “God chose to enter human history as a fragile child – without power, without protection, without worldly attraction.” The prelate also reiterated Leo XIV's call for disarmament.

Yangon (AsiaNews) – Card Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon, released his Christmas message yesterday, at a particularly delicate time for his country, which is about to hold elections under the supervision of the ruling military junta, without the participation of any real opposition amid an ongoing g civil war that has torn the country apart for nearly five years.

“Blessed are the peacemakers,” he writes. “God bless all those who strive for peace in Myanmar through every possible means. We pray that 2026 may be a year of peace for Myanmar and for the whole world.”

In the address in Holy Mary Cathedral in a celebration promoted by the Council of Churches of Myanmar in the presence of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing,” the cardinal makes his own the greeting of the risen Jesus: “Peace be with you all.”

Regarding the incarnation in Bethlehem, he notes that “God chose to enter human history as a fragile child – without power, without protection, without worldly attraction,” but with the power to “enter our hearts” and “change us.”

The Child Jesus reminds us of our own fragility and limitations. For this reason, God hid His glory and took human form to teach us how to live in peace.

“The peace of the Risen Christ is peace without weapons. In His time, Jesus brought political and social transformation without violence. Christians are called to witness this noble way and to invite all to reject cruelty. True peace heals wounds through compassion and care for the least among us.”

In his message, the cardinal also turns to the rest of the world.

“Not only individuals, but entire nations feel unsafe. Peace seems distant. People prepare for war in the name of peace. Governments are accused of weakness if they do not respond to violence with violence. As a result, nearly every nation continues to accumulate weapons.”

In this context, he mentions Leo XIV’s call for “integral disarmament”, especially in “heart, mind and life”, adding that, “Every religious community is called to build peaceful homes through dialogue, justice, and forgiveness – never through hatred.”

Finally, “Let the voices of the weak, the poor, and the refugees be heard.

“Let peace be shown not only in words, but proven through actions.

O God of all goodness,

Your peace surpasses the confusion of the world.

Make us apostles of peace,

bearers of love and hope for all humanity.”