Germany elects former pastor as president

A former Lutheran pastor and civil rights activist has been elected as Germany's new president, replacing Christian Wulff after his resignation last month.

Joachim Gauck won 991 votes out of 1,232 at a special assembly of MPs to become the first president from the former communist East.

The 72-year-old pastor, who has no party affiliation, has gained a reputation as an eloquent speaker unafraid of addressing controversial issues.

Steven Evans reports from Berlin.