Pope Benedict XVI reiterated his previous calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of peace talks.
Addressing the Vatican diplomats Thursday, he said that military action cannot resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and reaffirmed his opposition to violence.
The Pope said a cease-fire in the Gaza strip is indispensable for restoring acceptable living conditions to the population. Calling on both sides engaged in the conflict, he urged for "the rejection of hatred, acts of provocation, and the use of arms."
Referring to the approaching elections in Israel, the spiritual head of the Catholic Church said, "It is very important that leaders who can decisively carry forward the peace process and guide their people toward the difficult yet indispensable reconciliation will emerge."
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.