Pope calls for hope and kindness in BBC's Thought for the Day message 

In the message, Francis said: “Hope and kindness touch the very heart of the gospel and show us the path to follow in our behaviour"

The head of the Catholic church gave the Thought for the Day on BBC's Radio 4 on Saturday, wishing listeners “peace, fellowship and gratitude” for the new year and emphasising the importance of humility.

Pope Francis has urged people not to be drawn towards “pessimism and resignation” despite wars and social injustices throughout the world, but to retain a “gentle gaze of hope”.

The head of the Catholic church gave the Thought for the Day on BBC's Radio 4 on Saturday, wishing listeners “peace, fellowship and gratitude” for the new year and emphasising the importance of humility.