Pope delivers Easter blessing to thousands on St Peter's Square

Alsharq Tribune- DPA

Pope Francis delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing to tens of thousands gathered on St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

The 88-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church was greeted by cheers as he appeared briefly on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to speak the blessing "To the City and To the World" in a voice weakened after a lengthy illness.

From the crowd came many calls of "Long live the pope."