YANGON — Church colleagues on Monday welcomed home Archbishop Charles Maung Bo, a day after his appointment by Pope Francis as Myanmar's first Roman Catholic cardinal.
Newly appointeds Cardinal Charles Maung Bo (left) speaks with his fellow-priests at archbishop house in Yangon. Archbishop Bo was one of 20 new cardinals whose appointments were announced by Pope Francis. — AP
Bo, the archbishop of Yangon, was one of 20 new cardinals whose appointments were announced Sunday. They are from 18 countries, including two others that never before had a cardinal: Cape Verde and Tonga. All will officially assume their new positions Feb 14 at a ceremony at the Vatican.
The 66-year-old clergyman was smiling broadly as he returned from abroad to his residence in Myanmar largest city, exchanging pleasantries with friends and followers. Bouquets sent by well-wishers sat outside his office.
Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang said Bo's appointment was the crowning achievement of the church's mission activities in Myanmar. The bishop from Kalaymyo town is president of the country's Catholic Bishop Conference.
''It's time a Myanmar cardinal was selected because even Thailand, which has fewer Catholics, has had a cardinal,'' said the Rev. Maurice Daniel, the conference's general secretary.
About 1 of predominantly Buddhist Myanmar's 51 million people are Catholics. Neighbouring Thailand has about half that number and also had a new cardinal appointed Sunday. The church has been active in Myanmar — also known as Burma — for five centuries.
The archbishop was not immediately available to speak to reporters Monday. However, in a commentary for The Washington Post last year, he wrote: ''If Burma is to be truly free, peaceful and prosperous, the rights of all ethnicities and religious faiths must be protected. A movement that has grown in volume and influence threatens this: extreme Buddhist nationalism.''
