Pope Benedict XVI has called for the respect of all people without discrimination and the protection of children from war and violence during a Mass marking the start of 2010.

"Respect others, regardless of their skin colour, nationality, language, religion", Benedict said, "even very young, it is important to be taught to respect others, even when they are different to us", he emphasised.

In his homily before the Vatican diplomatic corps on Friday the pontiff noted that it was increasingly common for schools to have children from different nationalities in the classroom.

"Their faces represent the prophecy of humanity that we are invited to develop: a family of families and peoples", Benedict said, adding that the other is "a brother within humanity, not a rival nor an enemy".

He said in the homily that peace begins by recognising in each other's faces that men are brothers and not rivals or enemies.

He said people should be taught the value of respect for all from an early age.

He said children make it evident that men are brothers because "despite differences, they cry and laugh the same way, have the same needs, communicate spontaneously, play together".

The Pope said the painful images of children at the mercy of war and violence, their faces "disfigured by pain and desperation," are a silent appeal for peace.

The pontiff advocated "human ecology", saying "there is a close link" between respect for mankind and respect for nature.

"If humanity shames itself, it damages its environment", Benedict said.

He appealed for "investment in education with the objective not only to transmit technical and scientific concepts, but also a broader and deeper 'ecological responsibility' based on respect for humanity, human rights and fundamental duties".

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