"Let us pray to (the Virgin) Mary for the victims of the current conflict. Let us pray to Mary, with both grief and trust, to intercede for peace in Iraq and in all the world's conflicts," the pope said.

At the word "peace", the congregation applauded.

The pontiff has been a tireless campaigner against the war and has expressed "deep concern and great anguish" at the suffering caused since the US-led hostilities started on March 20.

On Saturday he said he feared the war could provoke a religious catastrophe in the world and said everything should be done prevent divisions forming between different creeds.

WAR.WIRE