According to Reuters on Wednesday, during his recent Asia tour, the pope revealed he had requested Suu Kyi's release and offered her safe haven in the Vatican. Suu Kyi, who led the National League for Democracy to victory in the 2020 election, has been imprisoned since the military coup in February 2021 and is currently serving a 27-year sentence.
The country continues to face severe unrest, with civilian casualties mounting due to military bombings in response to offensives by ethnic armed groups. Natural disasters have exacerbated the situation, with recent flooding and landslides caused by Typhoon Yaagi resulting in 419 reported deaths, according to the junta.
Myanmar's diplomatic isolation is deepening as the military regime aligns closer to China and Russia. Japan has reportedly downgraded its diplomatic relations by replacing its ambassador with a chargé d'affaires, further highlighting the international community's concern over the situation.
Pope Francis, who visited Myanmar in 2017, emphasized that the country's future should be based on respect for the dignity and rights of all people. His call for action and offer of refuge underscores the growing global apprehension about Myanmar's political and humanitarian crisis.