Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon offered prayers for Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, a priest from the Archdiocese of Mandalay, who was brutally killed by militants in Myanmar on February 14, 2025.
Bo, who also serves as the President of Myanmar's Bishops' Conference, appealed for an end to the ongoing violence and urged authorities to take action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“May the blood and sacrifices of countless innocent people, along with Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, serve as an offering to ending the violence that is occurring throughout the Nation,” Cardinal Bo stated in his message of condolence.
The Catholic Church in Myanmar, alongside Mandalay’s Archbishop Marco Tin Win, priests, religious, and faithful, is mourning the loss of Father Donald.
Bo expressed his deep sorrow and prayed, “May God the Father, the Lord of all life, comfort your mourning hearts and ours.”
The priest was murdered by an armed group on the evening of February 14, 2025, amidst the ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military and resistance forces.
The tragic killing comes just days after Myanmar’s military junta bombed the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Mindat, in northwestern Chin State.
The church, which had been designated as the cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Mindat by Pope Francis on January 25, was rendered unusable after an aerial assault on February 6.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported as priests and faithful had already vacated the area due to security concerns.
In his appeal, Bo urged an end to violence and called for justice in the wake of Father Donald’s murder.
“We urge those responsible to take appropriate action and ensure justice is served so that such incidents do not occur again in the future," he said.
The Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar also condemned the killing. Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nunciature, expressed his “profound sadness” and denounced “every attack on life and human dignity.”
He called on priests, religious, and missionaries to remain steadfast in their mission despite the dangers.
“Rooted in His love,” Msgr. Ferrante said, “May each one be a sign of the merciful presence of the Father who welcomes His children and heals their wounds.”
Cardinal Bo concluded his message with a prayer: “May the soul of Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.”
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