Pope celebrates centenary of John Paul 2's birth

Pope Francis celebrated a special mass Monday to remember the 100th anniversary of the birth of Pope John Paul II.

The pope held the morning mass in the chapel in St Peter's Basilica where the grave of John Paul II is located.

Speaking to an audience of a few priests, nuns and worshippers, the Pope said the late Polish pontiff had been sent by God.

"100 years ago, The Lord visited his people. He sent a man, he prepared him to become a bishop and lead the church," he explained.

It was the first time since the easing of the virus restrictions that the pope celebrated mass in St Peter's.

During the lockdown, he conducted all his events from his residence within the Vatican walls.

John Paul II was declared a saint in 2014.