Pope calls for Ukraine cease-fire to be respected

Vatican City: Pope Francis has called for Ukraine's cease-fire to be respected amid fresh reports by the Ukrainian military that separatist rebels were still firing on government positions and that Russia was sending in more tanks.

Francis delivered the plea for peace on Friday during a meeting with Ukrainian bishops visiting Rome.

He said he was praying for peace "and that all interested parties apply the agreements that were reached by common accord and that the principle of international law is respected."

He said in particular he hoped that the cease-fire holds and that all commitments to prevent new violence are abided by.