Pope Francis was greeted by large crowds as he arrived in the Albanian capital Tirana earlier today.

Thousands of people gathered in Mother Teresa Square in Albania's capital to watch the 77-year-old pontiff celebrate mass.

Pope Francis criticised religious extremists in a speech to heads of the country's religious communities, saying "to kill in the name of God is a grave sacrilege".

He called Albania an "inspiring example" for the world when it comes to religious harmony.

It is the first time in more than 20 years that a Pope has travelled to the largely Muslim country.

Security for the visit was tight, and there were reports of assassination threats against Pope Francis from Islamic State. 

The Vatican says the Pope wanted his first European trip to be to a country with a past of persecution and continuing poverty.