UCA News
Contribute

Vatican media hails Suu Kyi electoral win

Credits NLD leader's win as 'historic' but urges caution about the country's full transition
Vatican media hails Suu Kyi electoral win
Published: April 03, 2012 10:34 AM GMT
Updated: April 04, 2012 07:50 AM GMT

The sweeping victory of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar's by-election over the weekend made it to the front page of the semi-official Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano on Tuesday. A news story headlined “The seat of hope” reported on the success of the National League for Democracy leader in the first internationally recognized vote to be held in Myanmar in more than 20 years. “The result of the vote should bring significant economic benefits to the whole country,” wrote the Vatican newspaper, commenting on the possible lifting of United States and European Union sanctions against Myanmar. “According to analysts, the effects of the return of Aung San Suu Kyi to Parliament and of the victory of her party will be numerous and far reaching,” L'Osservatore Romano noted, adding as a caveat that this will happen only if “former army members will allow it.” Vatican Radio hailed the vote as an “historic day” and a “momentous event” for Myanmar. PIME Father Massimo Cenci, undersecretary of the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, praised the country's “awakening” and ascribed its merit to the NLD leader. “Suu Kyi has stirred the people's longing not only for democracy, but for involvement in what happens in their country from the social and political point of view,” he told ucanews.com. Nevertheless, Cenci cautioned towards those who speak of a full-fledged “transition” towards democracy: “We still need to wait and see. But what happened this weekend is exceptional for Myanmar's history.” He said the Vatican and the Catholic Church are following the situation closely. “We are very interested in the developments. There are still significant restrictions to Church activity there. But if the opening up of the country picks up steam, the Church will profit from it in terms of freedom.” Related reports Long way to go for Myanmar's reformers

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia