Pope Benedict XVI has called for a unified Europe during a visit to Cassino, in central Italy, close to site of one of World War II's bloodiest battles.

The Allied assault on Monte Cassino, a key stage in the battle to take nearby Rome, started in December 1943 and ran into the summer of the following year. The fierce fighting left tens of thousands of dead on both the Allied and German sides.

Benedict called for prayers for the end of the wars which continue to afflict the planet.

"Here, where so many men lost their life in the battles fought during World War II, say a special prayer for the souls of the dead," the German pontiff said before thousands of believers after a mass.

Pope Benedict said that he particularly wanted to visit the Polish cemetery, "to pay homage to the memory of all the soldiers of diverse nationality who... lost their life."

The Pope also spoke of Saint Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order, whose remains are buried at Cassino.

He called for Saint Benedict's spiritual example "to help people who live on this continent to remain true to their Christian foots" and to work towards a Europe of unity and solidarity, "founded on the search for justice and peace".