Vatican holds mass for 20th anniversary of John Paul II's death

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and hundreds of faithful attended a mass in St Peter's Basilica to commemorate the 20th anniversary of John Paul II's death.

Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin held the ceremony and hails John Paul II as someone who could "speak with authority and firmness not only to Catholic believers but also to nations and their leaders".

Pope Francis's convalescence has revived memories of the painful end of John Paul II's life, highlighting the need to balance protecting his fragile health with keeping him in the public eye.