麻豆社

18 September 2010 Last updated at 12:53

In pictures: Papal visit - Day 3

Day three of the Pope's four day visit to the UK ended with a prayer vigil in Hyde Park.

The Pope said he was especially pleased to see how many young people were present. He then had to pause as a big cheer erupted from the crowd.

As the popemobile approached the main stage a baby was plucked from the crowd for a blessing by the pontiff.

The 麻豆社's Daniel Boettcher reported that crowds about five deep lined the route along Horse Guards Road, and that it was busier still along the Mall as the popemobile headed towards the evening vigil.

The Pope visited St Peter's Residence for Older People in Vauxhall where he prayed with the residents and exchanged gifts.

About 80,000 people were expected to gather at a prayer vigil in London's Hyde Park.

Inside the park many pilgrims carried banners as they watched the pre-vigil entertainment on the stage.

Throughout the afternoon people arrived in the park...

Some bought picnics, others sat in the sun or waved their flags...

While some sang songs.

Near to the park thousands marched to protest against the Pope's visit. Organisers of the Protest the Pope event say they want to highlight his stance on controversial subjects.

Police said that six men arrested yesterday remained in custody after being held for questioning by anti-terrorism officers investigating a potential threat against the Pope's visit. Searches have finished without the discovery of anything significant.

In the morning Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass at Westminster Cathedral.

During the Mass he expressed his "deep sorrow" for the "unspeakable crimes" of child abuse within the Catholic Church.

The Pope led prayers and Holy Communion at the Mass, after being welcomed by Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Priests shielded by yellow umbrellas gave out Holy Communion to those in the Piazza.

The Pope then emerged to cheers from those waiting outside Westminster Cathedral.

They included representatives from every parish in England and Wales, a contingent from Scotland, and a number of volunteers from Catholic youth organisations.

The Pope met some of the 2,500 young Catholics in the Cathedral Piazza.

Prior to the service pilgrims waited outside Westminster Cathedral where the service was relayed on screens.

The Pope had begun the day with private meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron, his deputy Nick Clegg and acting Labour leader Harriet Harman.

麻豆社

UK

In pictures: Papal visit - Day 3

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