Myanmar’s Cardinal Bo calls for synodality with poor at Vatican Synod

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo issued an appeal to prioritize the needs of the impoverished and suffering in discussions on developing the foundations of synodality during his intervention at the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 8.

Oct 10, 2024

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, delivers his keynote speech during the 80th Serra International Convention in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on June 24. Photo by Mark Saludes


By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, Thailand

In his remarks, the Archbishop of Yangon in Myanmar emphasized that “synodality with the poor is the core theme of the Bible.” 

He cited the biblical encounter of Moses and noted how God profoundly identifies with the suffering: “God hears the cry of the suffering people.”

Cardinal Bo, who heads the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) described God’s accompaniment of the liberated slaves as a vital metaphor for humanity’s ongoing struggle for dignity.

The prelate has been a prominent advocate for human rights and social justice, particularly since Myanmar’s military coup in 2021. 

For over two decades, he has been a leading voice for the Catholic Church in Myanmar, frequently highlighting attention to the growing persecution and displacement faced by Christians in the region.

Drawing on New Testament teachings, he highlighted the radical vision of the Magnificat, where Mary proclaims a God who “raises the lowly,” and referenced Jesus’ mission to liberate the oppressed.

“Our faith journey is an uncompromising call to recognize the dignity of those living amidst poverty and suffering,” he said.

Cardinal Bo described poverty as a man-made disaster, calling it an “incremental genocide” in poorer nations. 

He reflected on the irony of celebrating the Eucharist in a world where “20,000 children die of hunger every day,” reminding the assembly, “We break the heavenly bread on thousands of altars, aware that millions have nothing to eat.”

He also invoked the early Christian community’s commitment to fellowship and sharing as a powerful testament to their mission. 

“The fellowship of the first Christians melted the arrogance of the Roman Empire,” he said, asserting that a “poor and fragile community replaced power and glory.”

Cardinal Bo acknowledged Pope Francis’ vision of dual justice—economic and environmental—as essential for promoting human dignity. 

“We need to dig deeper into the biblical models of accompaniment,” he urged, proposing that the practices of early Christians provide a “generative model” for today’s Church.

“Those who forget the poor will be forgotten by Yahweh,” he said. Cardinal Bo’s bold call to action aims to ensure that the plight of the poor and suffering is never sidelined in the ongoing synodal journey of the Church.--licas.news

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