Pope calls for "authentic democratic life" in Honduras

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict called on Sunday for peaceful dialogue to ensure "authentic democratic life" in Honduras, divided between supporters and opponents of outsted President Manuel Zelaya.

The Pope told pilgrims and tourists in St Peter's Square for his weekly blessing that he was following events in Honduras with "deep worry."

He called for patient dialogue and mutual understanding and reconciliation to create conditions to "ensure peaceful coexistence and authentic democratic life" in the overwhelmingly Catholic Central American country.

The interim government, installed by Congress after the widely unpopular Zelaya was ousted in a coup last month, accuses Zelaya of contravening the constitution and trying to extend his rule illegally.

Costa Rica is brokering talks aimed at defusing one of the worst crises in Central America since the Cold War.

(Editing by Tim Pearce)