Pope Francis calls Israeli, Palestinian presidents to urge peace

Reuters

ROME (Reuters) - Pope Francis telephoned Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday to express his "very grave concerns" over the conflict in Gaza, the Vatican said. [ID:nL6N0PT00D] The pontiff, who hosted a prayer meeting with the two leaders in the Vatican last month, called on all sides to work for an end to hostilities and for peace and reconciliation. (Reporting by James Mackenzie; Editing by Louise Ireland)