Pope urges prompt release of detained Myanmar leaders

Pope Francis waves from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square during the weekly Angelus prayer on February 7, 2021 in the Vatican, during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Monday called for the prompt release of political leaders imprisoned following a coup in Myanmar, in a speech to ambassadors to the Holy See.

“The path to democracy undertaken in recent years was brusquely interrupted by last week’s coup d’etat. This has led to the imprisonment of different political leaders, who I hope will be promptly released as a sign of encouragement for a sincere dialogue aimed at the good of the country,” the pope said.