Pope renews appeal against Mideast conflict's escalation

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 7 - Pope Francis on Wednesday renewed an appeal against an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and for an "immediate ceasefire on all fronts, starting with Gaza".
    "I continue to follow with great concern the situation in the Middle East", the pontiff said at the end of a general hearing.
    "I repeat my appeal to all sides involved for the conflict not to expand and for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, starting with Gaza where the humanitarian situation is very grave and unsustainable".
    "I pray for the sincere search for peace to extinguish conflicts, for love to win over hatred and for vengeance to be disarmed by forgiveness", the pontiff said. (ANSA).