PAPAL VISIT TO BURMA AND BANGLADESH

Motion Text

That this House notes the forthcoming visits by Pope Francis to Burma and Bangladesh; recognises the important contribution that the Catholic Church, as well as other religious organisations and communities, make in both countries by promoting interfaith relations, human rights and environmental protections, supporting peace-building and development, assisting displaced people, including the hundreds of thousands of refugees from Rahkine State in Myanmar, and combating human trafficking; recalls the recent visits of Cardinal Charles Maung Bo and Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario as important moments for diaspora communities and Catholics in the UK; commends the works of all Christians and those of other faith groups working to improve the lives of those in Burma and Bangladesh; and sends its best wishes to all the peoples there on this historic occasion.