Pope warns warns of "unavoidable" World War 3

Pope Francis has declared mankind is experiencing the outbreak of World War Three.

In his address to Polish-speaking pilgrims at the end of his weekly audience in the Vatican on September 6, the pontiff encouraged prayers "in a special way" for the people of Ukraine, according to Daily Mail.

He said tomorrow people will remember the anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War, which so painfully marked the Polish nation.

"Today we are experiencing the third [World War]," he added.

"May the memory of past experiences spur you to cultivate peace in yourselves, in families, and in social and international life."

In April, Francis said humanity is moving towards WWIII like it is "unavoidable", and he has frequently warned of imminent global conflict.

It comes as the Vatican moved to defend Francis from allegations that he has not come down hard enough on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The church said the pontiff clearly views the war launched by Moscow as "senseless, repugnant and sacrilegious".