In his speech, Pope Francis did not utter the word "Rohingya" once in Myanmar. However, he claimed to have 'respect for every ethnic group'. News BBC
Human rights organizations called on the Pope to stand beside the Rohingya Muslim community. Although the Catholic Church of Myanmar told him that using the word Rohingya would cause problems for the Catholics.
Pope Francis is the Chief Magistrate of the Catholic Community of the world.
In the face of torture, 6 lakh 20 thousand Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh from Rakhine state since August. Myanmar has been accused of racial segregation. Myanmar government refuses to let them Rohingya. Myanmar mentioned that community as Bengali. Their claim, Rohingyas entered Myanmar illegally from Bangladesh. Therefore, they should not be on the list of Myanmar ethnic groups.
While not directly mentioning the Rohingyas, the Pope has shown his stern position towards protecting the rights of ethnic groups in the speech. Pope said, Myanmar must be peaceful. This peace has to be brought based on the dignity and rights of every member of society.
Francis said the people of the country are Myanmar's biggest asset. But these people have been enjoying the consequences of civil strife and violence for a long time; Which created deep division.
Pope Francis used the word Rohingya in the past. In support of Rohingya, he called them 'brothers and sisters'.
Before speaking, Pope Francis met Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Su Chio did not mention directly to the Rohingya Muslims in his speech. But he acknowledged that the situation in Rakhine has 'attracted world attention'.
