Pope Francis pops out of Vatican to buy new glasses

Pope Francis slipped out of the Vatican to make a surprise visit to an optician's to get a new pair of glasses.

The Pope insisted that his old frames be re-used and that he would pay for them.

The Pope was accompanied by an assistant, a bodyguard and several police officers on his visit.

He remained inside the shop for about half an hour, trying on the glasses and speaking to the shop owner, Alessandro Spiezia.

The Pope then greeted crowds outside before returning to the Vatican.

Pope Francis has reportedly expressed regret at not being able to walk freely on Rome's streets.