Pope Francis called on authorities in Myanmar to engage in dialogue, lamenting the violence that has beset the Asian nation in recent days.

“Sad news of bloody clashes and loss of life continues to arrive from Myanmar,” the Holy Father said in remarks from the Library of the Apostolic Palace. “I would like to draw the attention of the authorities involved to the fact that dialogue prevails over repression and harmony over discord.

“I also appeal to the international community to ensure that the aspirations of the people of Myanmar are not stifled by violence. May the young people of that beloved land be granted the hope of a future where hatred and injustice make way for encounter and reconciliation.

“Finally, I repeat the wish I expressed a month ago: that the path towards democracy taken in recent years by Myanmar may be resumed through the concrete gesture of the release of the various political leaders imprisoned (see Address to the Diplomatic Corps, February 8, 2021).”

Appeals for peace in Myanmar have come from around the world. The United Stat4s Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

Amid the turmoil in Myanmar, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo has appealed for five ‘transfigurations’ for his nation and in each person and has warned against losing the faith.

The Cardinal of Yangon and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) expressed this in a Feb. 28 homily for the second Sunday of Lent which he has provided to Exaudi for the occasion. The day’s Gospel reading according to Mark was when Jesus was transfigured in the presence of Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor.

Peace is possible in Myanmar, according to a Statement of the Executive Committee of Justice & Peace Europe on the situation in Myanmar, released March 1, 2021.