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CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 30, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI encouraged dialogue as a way to favor reconciliation between the two Koreas.

The Pope made his appeal today after praying the midday Angelus with crowds gathered at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence south of Rome.

The Holy Father entrusted to prayer "the situation of the Korean peninsula, where important developments in the dialogue between the two Koreas give hope that the efforts at reconciliation taking place can consolidate in favor of the Korean people and to benefit the stability and peace of the entire region."

The Pontiff's appeal comes as Beijing hosts six-party talks between the two Koreas, together with the United States, China, Russia and Japan.

In order for dialogue to continue, North Korea is being asked to freeze its nuclear program.