Pope Leo has called for an end to conflicts around the world during his first Christmas remarks to crowds in St Peter's Square.

He used his Urbi et Orbi address, which is traditionally delivered by the pontiff on Christmas Day to worshippers gathered in Vatican City, to address conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as in Thailand and Cambodia.

"From God, let us ask for justice, peace and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Syria," he said.

It was his first Urbi et Orbi speech as pope since being elected on 8 May.

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