Monday, November 27, 2017

Pope Francis arrived in Myanmar on the first papal





      Pope Francis has arrived in Myanmar on the first papal visit to the country that has this year been widely accused of ethnic cleansing. Focus will likely be on whether he uses the term "Rohingya" to describe the country's Muslim minority.

  Myanmar officials strongly reject the term, raising concerns it could spark some potential violence if he does. He is scheduled to meet Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and the head of the country's military.

   The Pope will then visit Bangladesh, and meet a small group of Rohingya refugees there in a symbolic gesture.  The 80-year-old pontiff has become known for his moderate views and willingness to denounce global injustice. More than 600,000 people have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh since August when attacks on police posts prompted a military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

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