The Catholic Bishops Conference Myanmar (CBCM) said recently that it will stand with the people of Myanmar and meet the needs of the people without racial or religious discrimination, DVB reports.

The statement was issued from the CBCM’s General Assembly held between January 11 to 14, in which the group said it was “deeply saddened” by the current situation in the country.

Myanmar’s top Catholic, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, alienated many after meeting with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing during a Christmas ceremony at Yangon’s St Mary’s Cathedral prior to Christmas Day.

Many were angered by the photos of Cardinal Bo cutting a Christmas cake with the junta leader.

Cardinal Bo subsequently issued a Christmas statement calling for peace in Myanmar.