Pope Francis described migrants and refugees as the world's "weakest and most needy" yesterday, using his traditional New Year's address to "give voice" to people he has urged leaders to do more to help.

Francis reminded some 40,000 people who gathered in St Peter's Square at the Vatican that he had chosen the plight of migrants and refugees as the theme for the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of Peace, which is celebrated every January 1.

"For this peace, to which everyone has a right, many of them are willing to risk their lives in a journey which is often long and dangerous, they are willing to face strain and suffering."

"Please, let us not extinguish the hope in their hearts, let us not suffocate their hopes for peace!"

Across the world, the mass movement of people has shot to the top of the political agenda, and Francis has made defending those who migrate a central theme of his papacy.

During a trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh last year, he met Muslim refugees and called for decisive measures to solve the political problems that caused many to flee.

He has also criticised President Donald Trump's stated intention to build a wall along the US border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants.

The  pope said: "It is important that there is a commitment from everyone, from civil institutions, and those in education, welfare and church organisations, to ensure a peaceful future for refugees, migrants, everyone."

In a homily earlier yesterday, Francis said everyone should look after their soul by taking a moment of silence every day, "to keep our freedom from being corroded by the banality of consumerism, the blare of commercials, the stream of empty words and the overpowering waves of empty chatter and loud shouting".

He said that 2017 had been marred by war, lies and injustice, and he urged people to take responsibility for their actions.