Pope Francis on Sunday invited believers to say a special prayer for Myanmar every day during this Marian month of May during the recitation of the daily rosary, Vatican News reported.

His appeal comes as Myanmar's security forces reportedly opened fire on some of the biggest protests against military rule in days, killing at least eight people.

“Each of us turns to our mother in times of need and of difficulty,” the Pope said, “During this month we ask our Heavenly Mother to speak to the hearts of all those who have responsibility in Myanmar so they may find the courage to walk the path of encounter, of reconciliation and of peace.”