Newly named cathedral bombed in Myanmar
A church in Myanmar was bombed by the country’s military just days after it was officially made a cathedral.
The attack left the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church badly damaged, though no one was hurt.
The church is in Mindat, a town in Chin State that had recently been declared the cathedral for a new Catholic diocese.
Reports say bombs hit the building, destroying the roof and breaking stained glass windows. Church leaders had already left the area due to ongoing fighting, which is why there were no injuries.
Myanmar has been at war since the military took power in a coup in 2021. The army removed the elected government and has since fought against various ethnic and rebel groups.
Chin State has seen heavy clashes between Myanmar’s military and local fighters who oppose the ruling generals.
The church attack is part of a larger conflict that has affected religious communities across the country. Rights groups say the military has targeted churches, mosques, and other religious sites.
Myanmar has also faced international criticism over its treatment of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority forced to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.
Despite the destruction, local Catholics are determined to rebuild the church. A priest from the area said the attack had wounded their hearts but would not stop their faith.
The new diocese now faces a challenge in organising its first major religious ceremonies, including the consecration of its first bishop.
