Catholics around the world, as here in Minsk, Belarus, have celebrated special Masses to mark the first anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

In churches across Poland, John Paul's native country, there have been special services and events to mark the first anniversary of his death.

Crowds gathered in St Peter's Square at the Vatican to hear an address by successor Pope Benedict XVI.

Pilgrims have travelled to Vatican City from all over the world and have shown their devotion in various ways.

Pope Benedict said John Paul II had "died as he always lived, animated by the indomitable courage of faith".

Polish pilgrims carried Poland's national flag as a reminder of the late Pope's origins.

Some 2,000 Polish pilgrims paid their tributes to John Paul in the heart of London.

Thousands of people travelled to John Paul's home town of Wadowice near Krakow in southern Poland for a special mass and other events.

Girls in traditional dress in Lagiewniki, Krakow, pray for the swift beatification of John Paul II.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered for an evening candlelit vigil which marked the exact moment of Pope John Paul II's death a year ago.