Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has warned that while global attention is focused on the Rohingya crisis, another ethnic minority, the predominantly Christian Kachin, are being persecuted by the military.

In a telegram sent to the Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Pope Francis said he was going to Myanmar to “encourage the small but fervent Catholic community and meet believers of diverse religions”.

Columban missionaries call on government of Myanmar/Burma to immediately allow international humanitarian assistance to reach people in need.

Some Buddhist leaders are displeased with the strong line Pope Francis has taken over the treatment of the country’s Muslim Rohingya minority.