Pope speaks up for workers' rights

Pope Benedict XVI delivered his first Sunday blessing at the weekend and appealed for the protection of workers' rights.

A crowd of nearly 100,000 gathered in St Peter's Square, including thousands of trade unionists who were in Rome for May Day labour celebrations.

The pope called for "Christian fraternity... in the workplace and in social life so that solidarity, justice and peace may be pillars on which to build the unity of the Christian family".

"I hope that work will not be lacking, especially for young people, and that working conditions will respect always the dignity of the human person," he said.