Pope Francis has told worshippers to pray for the children of today this Christmas - particularly those risking their lives on migrant ships and those who are in war zones.

The pontiff was celebrating Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome last night.

It was the first major event of the Christmas season for the pontiff:

The Pope's also offered his thoughts to victims of terrorism - almost a week after 12 people were killed in a lorry attack in Berlin.

He referred to those who've lost loved ones through 'brutal acts' as he made his traditional Christmas address to crowds at the Vatican.

Pope Francis also called for an end to fighting in Syria: