Pope Francis has called for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine and the Middle East on Christmas Day, according to the Vatican's website.

“Tormented Ukraine continues to be struck by attacks against the city, which at times damage schools, hospitals, and churches. May the weapons be silenced and Christmas carols resound! Let us pray for a ceasefire on all war fronts, in Ukraine, the Holy Land, in all the Middle East and the entire world, at Christmas,” said the Pontiff after reading the prayer Angelus on Sunday.

He also noted that he was following the news from Mozambique and repeated his message of hope, peace and reconciliation to the people of that country. He prayed that "dialogue and the quest for the common good, supported by faith and good will, may prevail over mistrust and discord."