Pope thanks well-wishers as he gives noon blessing on his 70th birthday

Banners wishing the Pope a happy 70th birthday were held up by worshippers in St Peter’s Square on Sunday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The Pope has marked his 70th birthday by thanking God, his parents and all those who prayed for him.

Leo saw giant “Happy birthday” banners, in English, Italian and Spanish, balloons and congratulatory signs held up by the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for his traditional noon blessing on Sunday.