Pope Francis releases emotional new video: Regardless of religion, we are all children of God

Pope Francis has made an impassioned plea for interfaith unity, with a video released yesterday calling for men and women of all religions to work together for peace.

Featuring a Buddhist, a Jew, a Muslim and a Christian, the video shows footage of the Pope meeting and praying with members of other faiths.

"Most of the planet's inhabitants declare themselves believers," the Pope says. "This should lead to dialogue among religions. We should not stop praying for it and collaborating with those who think differently."

Rinchen Kandro, a Buddhist teacher, is then shown saying, "I have confidence in the Buddha".

"I believe in God," says Rabbi Daniel Goldman. Catholic priest Guillermo Marcó then says, "I believe in Jesus Christ," before Islamic leader Omar Abboud adds, "I believe in God, Allah".

"Many think differently, feel differently, seeking God or meeting God in different ways," the Pope continues.

"In this crowd, in this range of religions, there is only one certainty we have for all: we are all children of God."

Each religious leader then repeats the same refrain: "I believe in love".

"I hope you will spread my prayer request this month: That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice," Francis finishes.

"I have confidence in your prayers."

The Pope has long promoted interfaith unity. In November he visited a mosque in the Central African Republic, saying Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters, and he prayed alongside members of a number of different faiths on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks last year.

Francis, like many of his predecessors, has shared his prayer intentions each month since taking office, but this is the first time video has been used.

The full list of his intentions for 2016 can be found here. Themes include respect for women, families in difficulty and care for creation.