Pope calls for cease-fire in Gaza

The Associated Press , Vatican City Thu, 01/08/2009 6:30 PM World Pope Benedict XVI has called for a cease-fire in Gaza and the resumption of peace talks. He says a cease-fire is indispensable for restoring acceptable living conditions to the population and has condemned violence in "whatever form it takes." The pontiff also says it is crucial that political leaders who can work for reconciliation emerge in upcoming elections. Israel is scheduled to hold elections Feb. 10. Benedict's new appeal came as part of a broad-ranging speech Thursday to the Holy See's diplomatic corps. He has also encouraged efforts to get Israelis and Palestinians to hold peace talks. Israel says its offensive in Gaza is aimed at stopping Hamas rocket fire. Nearly 700 Palestinians have died in the attacks.