Pope calls for beginning Ukraine peace talks

ROME. May 20 (Interfax) - Pope Francis has urged all parties to the Ukraine conflict to end hostilities and resolve the situation through negotiations.

"Please, countries involved in the conflict, stop! Stop the hostilities. You must find a way to negotiate peace," the pontiff said in an interview with CBS News.

"A negotiated peace is always better than endless wars," the pope said.

Speaking of fighting around the world, he mentioned the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

When asked by a journalist if he could help negotiate an end to the hostilities in Gaza, the pontiff said, "I can pray."