Pope Francis, speaking during Mass in the Central African Republic (CAR) capital Bangui, has called on fighting factions to lay down their weapons.

Instead, he said, they should arm themselves "with justice, love, mercy and authentic peace."

Earlier he said he hoped next month's polls in the CAR would open a "new chapter" for the country.

CAR has been torn apart by violence between Muslim rebels and Christian militias.

It is the pontiff's first visit to a conflict zone and the final stop on his landmark three-nation African tour.

Acting President Catherine Samba-Panza has asked him for "forgiveness" for the country's recent religious violence.

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Image captionCheers sounded in the streets as Pope Francis arrived in Bangui

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Image captionPope Francis urged people in the CAR to embrace peace and tolerance

Large crowds lined the road from the airport to welcome the Pope - and people cheered and sang when he arrived at a refugee camp.

In an address at the presidential palace, he called for unity and to avoid "the temptation of fear of others, of the unfamiliar, of what is not part of our ethnic group, our political views or our religious confession".

The Pope said ahead of his trip he was determined to bring a message of peace and hope to the country.

The pontiff is expected to meet Muslim leaders and visit a mosque in the city's Muslim enclave, known as PK5, on Monday.

He will then conclude his visit with a final Mass in Bangui.

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At the scene: Caroline Wyatt, BBC religious affairs correspondent

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Image captionLarge crowds gathered in Bangui to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis

Rarely has a Pope landed somewhere with armoured vehicles on the tarmac and a refugee camp full of displaced people within sight. Many in Bangui had worried that the Pope might cancel his visit, after fears that his security could not be guaranteed.

This visit to a conflict zone is not only a first for a Pope, but also a crucial signal from the outside world to the people of this troubled nation that such a leader has come to bring a message of peace.

Pope Francis's arrival in the Central African Republic has delighted the people who lined the streets to see him. Signs welcoming "Pape Francois" were everywhere in the capital of this French-speaking country, and the excitement was palpable.

One woman hoping for a glimpse of the Pope expressed her joy after his plane landed, saying his visit here brought real hope in dark times.