‘Peace for Jerusalem’ call from Pope Francis

Pope Francis has used his traditional Christmas Day message to call for "peace for Jerusalem" and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

Acknowledging "growing tensions" between them, he urged a "negotiated solution... that would allow the peaceful co-existence of two states".

The controversial move drew international condemnation.

"On this festive day let us ask the lord for peace for Jerusalem and for all the Holy Land," the Roman Catholic leader told the crowd.

"Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful co-existence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders."