The Pope has visited Ground Zero on the final and sixth day of his trip to the US.

Fog shrouded New York's skyscrapers as the 81-year-old prayed and offered a blessing to the victims of the September 11 attacks. He called for an end to hatred and violence.

At the bottom of the crater, Pope Benedict met fire and police officers, survivors and relatives of people killed in the attacks. He spoke with each of the 24 guests, giving them all a small cross made from the remains of the World Trade Center.

He will complete his US visit by holding a Sunday evening Mass at the New York Yankees' stadium.