Pope Francis holds mass in Trieste

Pope Francis paid a short visit to Trieste in Italy's northeast on Sunday ahead of a 12-day trip to Asia -- the longest of his papacy.

Francis made a speech at the city's convention centre to close a national Catholic event. During his visit, Francis embarked on meetings with various groups from the religious and academic spheres, along with migrants and the disabled.

Pope Francis concluded his visit with a mass in front of some 8,500 worshippers in the city's main public square before heading back to the Vatican in the early afternoon.