Pope Francis prays for peace and those victimised by old and new forms of slavery in annual Easter address

Tens of thousands endured heavy security checks to hear Pope Francis celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square at which he prayed that "the risen Lord would walk beside those who are marginalised and who are victimised by old and new forms of slavery."

Tens of thousands endured heavy security checks to hear Pope Francis celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square at which he prayed the risen Lord would walk beside those who are marginalised and who are victimised by old and new forms of slavery.

Many tourists, pilgrims and Romans flocked to the cobblestone square, decorated with colourful spring flowers, to hear Francis deliver the "Urbi et Orbi" - his Easter message "to the city and to the world" - from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.