Pope Francis pleads for humanitarian corridors in Myanmar

Vatican Head Pope Francis has pleaded for humanitarian corridors to be allowed in Myanmar that has been witnessing conflicts since the February 1 military coup.

"With the Bishops of Myanmar I plead that humanitarian corridors be allowed and that churches, pagodas, monasteries, mosques, temples, schools and hospitals be respected as neutral places of refuge," tweeted head of the Catholic Church today.

"May the Heart of Christ touch the hearts of all bringing peace to Myanmar!" he said.

Since the coup, some 650 civilians have been killed while 6000, including National League of Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, were arrested.

Experts fear a large-scale civil war in Myanmar. UN has warned of serious food crisis in the Southeast Asian country that has record of military rule for decades in the past, and of ethnic conflicts.