Pope presides over Palm Sunday after hospital stay

Pope Francis presided over mass in St Peter's Square Sunday, as he kicked off events leading to Easter, just a day after leaving hospital following a bout of bronchitis. During the mass, Pope waved briefly to some 30,000 people as he rode in his popemobile through the square.

The 86-year-old's admittance to hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties. The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics has suffered from increasing health issues over the past few years, including knee problems which have forced him to use a wheelchair and walking stick. Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Easter Sunday, which this year is on April 9, celebrates his resurrection from the dead.