Pope Francis returns to public eye for Easter vigil Mass

The 86-year-old pope is recuperating from bronchitis, which saw him treated in hospital for three days.

Pope Francis holds a Paschal candle as he presides over a Easter vigil ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica (AP)

Pope Francis has returned to public view, presiding over Easter vigil Mass in St Peter’s Basilica.

The move comes a day after unseasonably chilly weather in Rome convinced the recently ailing pontiff to skip Good Friday’s night-time procession at the Colosseum.