Pope Benedict has called for an immediate halt to the fighting between Russia and Georgia over the breakaway South Ossetia region and urges world powers to help find a peaceful solution.
SOUNDBITE: Pope Benedict, speaking in Italian with English translation:
"It is with profound anguish that I am following the news, each day more dramatic, coming from Georgia over the breakaway South Ossetia region that has already caused many innocent victims and forced a great number of civilians to leave their homes. It is my dearest hope that military action will stop immediately and that they will abstain, in the name of their common Christian inheritance, from further clashes and violence that could lead to an even larger conflict. I call too for respectful and constructive talks and negotiations, avoiding further tragic suffering for those dear populations."
"I invite the international community and the countries with most influence in the current situation to make every effort to support and promote initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful and lasting solution. We join our Orthodox brothers in the prayer on this issue, trusting that the Holy Virgin Mary mother of Jesus will intercede."
