Security was tight at the Vatican as thousands of people gathered in St Peter's Square for the Pope's weekly general audience.

Police officers used metal detectors to carry out body searches and also checked the bags of those arriving to attend.

Addressing the crowds, Pope Francis denounced the "abominable cruelty" of yesterday's blasts, before leading the faithful in a silent prayer.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and a metro train in the Belgian capital that killed at least 30 people.

Additional security measures were introduced at the Vatican following the November 2015 Paris attacks, and in time for the Pope's many Holy Year appointments, which millions of visitors are expected to attend.

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