Pope Paul Vi Urges Extension of Mideast Cease-fire and Reasoned Discussion

Pope Paul VI urged his followers yesterday to pray for an extension of the Middle East cease-fire and a “positive outcome” of the current Mideast debate in the United Nations General Assembly lest all hopes for peace and an equitable settlement be indefinitely delayed. In his All Saints Day address to throngs in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff warned that the Mideast crisis could become aggravated, possibly involving other nations. He expressed confidence in the “farsighted sense of responsibility” of both sides in the conflict and in “the reasoned judgement” of the General Assembly. He said the world more than ever needs peace achieved through discussion.