Pope Francis has told churches they need to be better at welcoming people who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

The Pope was speaking on the World Day of the Deaf on Sunday and offered prayers for deaf people all over the world.

Vatican Radio reported that the leader of Catholics all over the world said: "I want to salute all deaf persons – some of whom are here [at the Angelus] – and encourage them to give their part for a Church and for a society that are both ever more ready and willing to welcome everyone."

Sunday marked the final day of the International Week of the Deaf and aimed to raise awareness of how deaf people can be better included in everyday life.

The pontiff finished: "I wish to greet all the deaf people, represented here as well, and encourage them to make their contribution through a Church and a society ever more able to accommodate all."