Francis watched from under a canopy on the steps of the basilica as ten people carried a cross and burned torches towards him.

Tadeusz Rydzyk is the founder and owner of Catholic media Radio Maryja and TV Trwam.

Religious teachers and their students "express their gratitude for the Pope and for all those who care about the weak and needy".

Two days later, on March 27, he will grant a plenary indulgence through his 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing.

On 15 March, Syria is entering the tenth year of conflict.

Pope Francis mentioned Pakistani Christian refugee Asia Bibi to illustrate the cruelty of the persecutors of Christian.

“We continue to pray together for the sick who suffer from this epidemic,” Pope Francis declared.

Pope Francis expressed his “great apprehension for the inhumane situation of the defenceless people" in Syria.

For the first time Pope Francis did not appear in the window from which he traditionally adresses the crowd.

He mentioned the plight of refugees in Turkey, where the situation is alarming.