In his annual new year’s address to the diplomatic corps, Pontiff stresses need to promote peace in a time of mass migrations, economic stagnation and violent extremism.

Against background of Brexit, Together for Europe gathering in Munich is a prophetic sign. "We need to keep the ideals of the founders of the EU alive."

No convictions specifically against sex or labour traffickers in 2014 international report shows.

Assurances will be sought from all parties and independent candidates in the general election that they will address the concerns of migrants and their families.

To shake off its malaise, he said, Europe needs to recover a sense of values and mission, one foundation for which is religious conviction.