Pope wishes worshippers Happy Easter after serious illness

Pope Francis has appeared at the Vatican's St Peter's Square to wish "Happy Easter" to thousands of worshippers.

The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to cheering crowds below.

His appearance had been eagerly anticipated, following his discharge from hospital last month, after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

At the time, doctors said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. Prior to Sunday's celebrations, he had been seen out twice this week.

The Pope presented a frail figure as he came out on Easter Sunday, saying the words: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter."

His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member.

"There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others," the clergy member said, as the Pope sat beside him.

The pontiff, who is still healing from his illness, had presented "two very critical episodes" where his "life was in danger" while in hospital, according to one of the doctors who took care of him.

Dr Sergio Alfieri added that the Pope was never intubated and always remained alert and oriented in hospital.

Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in Rome for Easter Mass during this special jubilee year, which takes place every 25 years and sees millions of pilgrims descend on the city.

The jubilee year kicked off with the Pope opening the usually bricked-up Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica on 24 December. Catholics believe passing through the door will absolve them of their sins.

For the first time since becoming pope in 2013, he has missed the majority of Holy Week events, including Saturday's Easter vigil at St Peter's Basilica, where he delegated his duties to cardinals.

But, during a brief appearance inside the basilica on the day, he prayed and gave sweets to children.

Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21, making him more prone to infections.