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CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 30, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI urged peace for Myanmar, where pro-democracy demonstrations marked by the participation of thousands of Buddhist monks are waning after a crackdown by the ruling military junta.

The Pope made his appeal for a peaceful solution to the situation today after praying the midday Angelus.

At the summer papal residence south of Rome, he said: "I follow the serious events taking place in Myanmar with great trepidation and I wish to express my spiritual closeness to that dear people in this moment of sorrowful difficulty that they are experiencing."

"While guaranteeing them my intense prayer and support, I invite the entire Church to do the same and I hope that a peaceful solution can be found, for the good of the country."

The demonstrations began in Myanmar -- formerly known as Burma -- after a fuel price hike took effect Aug. 19.

Last week, government troops opened fire against the protesters. The junta reports 10 deaths, but independent sources say that number is much higher, and includes several monks.

The Myanmar government -- a military junta in power since 1962 -- squelched the last major pro-democracy demonstration in 1988, which resulted in thousands of deaths.