Pope leads Holy Thursday service in Vatican basilica

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Francis has led the first of two major Holy Thursday ceremonies, presiding at Mass in St Peter’s Basilica as he continues his stamina-testing Holy Week appointments days after being treated in hospital for bronchitis.

The pope’s voice sounded strong during the basilica Mass as he read a long homily during the service, which was dedicated to the theme of the priesthood.