Pope answers worshippers' questions on television

Pope Benedict XVI has made history as the first pontiff to take part in a televised question-and-answer session.

The pre-recorded programme was broadcast on the Italian RAI channel on Good Friday afternoon.

Seven questions were chosen from thousands submitted for the Pope to answer during the 80-minute programme.

The first question was from a seven-year-old Japanese girl, Elena, traumatised by the recent earthquake. She asked the Pope to explain why she was being made to feel afraid.