Pope in Sri Lanka: Huge crowds for Colombo Mass

Huge crowds have turned out in the Sri Lankan capital Columbo to see Pope Francis celebrate a Mass at which he canonised the nation's first saint.

The Pope arrived early for the Mass today, informally greeting worshippers.

He urged people to follow the example of 17th Century missionary, Joseph Vaz at the service in Colombo.

The Pontiff called for the "pursuit of truth" to promote "justice, healing and unity" after years of war.

Government forces defeated Tamil rebels in 2009 after 26 years of war, in which both sides were accused of atrocities.

BBC