Friend takes a ride on Popemobile

Pope Francis has broken with protocol after inviting an old friend to join him on his Popemobile at the Vatican.

Father Fabian Baez was among well-wishers and pilgrims in St Peter's Square on Wednesday as part of the Pontiff's first general audience of the year.

Pope Francis told security guards to fetch his friend at which point Father Baez ran to embrace the pope before joining him in the open-top vehicle.