Violence in the Southeast Asian nation of 57 million (map) has intensified following the February military coup.

“I join my voice to that of the bishops of Myanmar, who last week launched an appeal calling the entire world’s attention to the heartrending experience of thousands of people in that country who are displaced and have been dying of hunger,” Pope Francis said on June 20. “’We implore with all courtesy that humanitarian corridors be permitted’ and that ‘churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, as well as schools and hospitals’ be respected as neutral places of refuge. May the Heart of Christ touch the hearts of everyone, bringing peace to Myanmar!”