“To be committed to the protection of the dignity of all people, in particular the weakest and most disadvantaged, means also to work with determination to build a world without nuclear weapons,” he said in St Peter’s Square on December 10.

“God gives us the ability to work with determination to build a world without nuclear weapons. God gives us the ability to collaborate to build our common home: we have the freedom, the intelligence and the capacity to guide technology, to limit our power to the service of peace and true progress.”

Pope Francis then referred to ‘Our Planet Summit’ held in Paris last week, two years after the adoption of the Paris climate agreement.

“I earnestly hope that this summit, as well as the other initiatives that are in this same direction, will foster a clear awareness of the need to adopt really effective decisions to counteract climate change and, at the same time, to combat poverty and promote integral human development,” he said.

The Pope has also expressed his concern over US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US would recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. “I would like to make a heartfelt appeal for everyone’s commitment to respect the city’s status quo, in conformity with the pertinent United Nations Resolutions,” he said.

He described Jerusalem as a unique city which is “holy for Jews, Christians and Muslims, who venerate the Holy Sites of their respective religions”. As such it had a “special vocation for peace”.