Following a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, Cardinal Charles Bo has appealed for humanitarian aid, including food, shelter, and medicine. The cardinal emphasized the critical need for peace to end the ongoing civil war, which is hindering aid distribution. Church leaders, including Pope Francis, have offered prayers and expressed solidarity with the affected communities. The earthquake has exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis, with thousands in need of assistance. The Catholic Church and the United Nations are mobilizing resources to provide support.
25 days ago
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing widespread devastation and loss of life 1 3 4. The earthquake has reportedly killed over 1,600 people in Myanmar and also caused fatalities in neighboring Thailand 3 4. The disaster has further strained the already dire humanitarian situation in the country 3 4.
Pope Francis has offered prayers for the people of Myanmar, expressing his sadness for those suffering 3 4. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has stated that the Church stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this crisis 3 4. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, conveyed Pope Francis’s condolences and spiritual closeness to all those affected by the tragedy 3 4.
Cardinal Bo has urgently appealed for humanitarian support and unimpeded access to those affected by the earthquake 1. He emphasized the need for food, shelter, medicine, and other lifesaving materials 1. The Cardinal has also called for a ceasefire by all groups involved in the ongoing civil war to ensure the safe delivery of essential aid 1 3 4. To coordinate the Church's response, Cardinal Bo has formed the Myanmar Earthquake Response Church Initiative (MERCI) 1.
The ongoing civil war in Myanmar is significantly complicating relief efforts 1 3 4. Cardinal Bo expressed concern that the violence could hinder the distribution of aid to those who need it most 1. The civil war, which followed the 2021 military coup, has already resulted in over 75,000 deaths and millions of displaced people, exacerbating the challenges of responding to the earthquake 3 4. The UN estimates that nearly 20 million people, including 6.3 million children, are in dire need of assistance in Myanmar 3 4.
The Church views human solidarity as a moral virtue and a principle of social doctrine. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the obligation to promote the common good.
Solidarity is rooted in the understanding that all people are members of the same human family, regardless of national, ethnic, cultural, religious, or economic differences. Christian solidarity finds its ultimate foundation in the mystery of the Blessed Trinity, in the unity of the Divine Persons, and in the reconciliation of people through Christ.
Solidarity has two dimensions: social and moral. As a social principle, it calls for structures and institutions that promote justice and equality. As a moral virtue, it requires individuals to act with a sense of responsibility towards others, especially the vulnerable.
Solidarity is closely linked to the common good, which is the sum total of social conditions that allow people to reach their fulfillment more fully and easily. Promoting the common good requires a commitment to solidarity, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to live a dignified life.
The Church promotes solidarity through various initiatives, including advocacy for just social policies, support for international development, and efforts to alleviate poverty and suffering. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the importance of global solidarity, recognizing that the challenges facing humanity require cooperation and collaboration among all nations. Cardinal Bo's appeal for aid and peace in Myanmar reflects the Church's commitment to solidarity in action, especially in times of crisis. The formation of the Myanmar Earthquake Response Church Initiative (MERCI) exemplifies the Church's organized effort to embody solidarity by providing essential aid to those affected by the earthquake.
The Church's teaching on human solidarity underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the moral obligation to promote the common good. It calls for both individual actions and systemic changes to ensure justice, equality, and support for the vulnerable, reflecting a commitment to global cooperation and care, as exemplified by the Church's response to the Myanmar earthquake.