Pope 'greatly concerned' over new Central Africa violence ahead of his visit

Pope Francis appealed to all those involved to put an end to the cycle of violence in in the Central African Republic.

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced "great concern" over a fresh outbreak of sectarian violence in the Central African Republic, four weeks ahead of a planned visit to the troubled country.

"The painful events that have worsened an already delicate situation in the Central African Republic in recent days are of great concern to me," the pope told pilgrims in St Peter's Square.