VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has offered refuge to Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Vatican territory, according to Italian media reports. During meetings with Jesuits in Asia earlier this month, he expressed his concern for Suu Kyi and mentioned that he met her son in Rome.
“I asked for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and proposed that the Vatican provide her shelter,” the pope stated. He emphasized the urgent need to address the situation in Myanmar, calling for peace and respect for the dignity and rights of all citizens within a democratic framework.
Suu Kyi, 78, is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence on various charges, including corruption and violating COVID-19 restrictions. Following her party’s victory in Myanmar’s first democratic election in 25 years in 2015, she was arrested during the military coup in 2021 and has reportedly faced health issues while in detention.
Once celebrated as a human rights champion and Nobel Peace laureate, Suu Kyi’s reputation has suffered due to her inaction during the military’s persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017. This crackdown is under investigation by the United Nations for potential genocide, and reports indicate that persecution continues.
Since the 2021 coup, Myanmar has been in turmoil, with the junta battling both established ethnic rebel groups and new pro-democracy movements.
