VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Sunday urged the world to learn from history on the threat of nuclear war over Ukraine and choose the path of peace.

Looking back to the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, "we cannot forget the danger of nuclear war that threatened the world at that time", the Pope said at the conclusion of the Eucharistic Celebration for the canonization of Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini and Artemide Zatti.

"Why don’t we learn from history"? asked the Pope, noting that "even at that moment, there were conflicts and huge tensions, but the way of peace was chosen".

Pope Francis then turned his thoughts to Thailand, where three days ago, "a mad act of violence took place".

37 people, most of whom children, were killed in an attack on a nursery in Uthai Sawan Child Development Centre in northeastern Thailand in a gun and knife attack. "With deep emotion, I entrust their lives to the Father, especially the little children and their families", said the Pope.

The Holy Father also asked the faithful gathered for the canonization to turn their thoughts to Fabriano, where Maria Costanza Panas, a Capuchin Poor Clare nun, will be beatified. "May Blessed Maria Costanza help us to always be trustful in God and welcoming toward our neighbour", he added.

And now, concluded the Pope, "let us turn to the Virgin Mary that she might help us be witnesses of the Gospel, enlivened by the example of the Saints".