Pope leads long Vatican Mass after health setbacks

Looking tired but relaxed, Pope Francis has led his first major public ceremony after a spate of cancelled appointments for health problems.

Francis appeared to hold up well Sunday during the more than 90-minute Mass in St Peter’s Basilica to honour Saints Peter and Paul.

The Vatican has played down the cancellations, including one last-minute Friday because 77-year-old Francis had an unspecified ‘mild’ health problem.

Francis, often laughing or smiling, chatted with each of the 24 archbishops kneeling before him to receive a white woollen band symbolising shared episcopal power.