Some normality has resumed at the Vatican as Pope Francis welcomed members of the public to his weekly audiences for the first time in 26 weeks.

He kissed the Lebanese flag in an act of prayer for the country, blessed children from a distance, greeted masked bishops and shook hands with priests whose faces were uncovered.

Reuters news agency said the Pope was clearly enjoying himself as he walked past the crowd of some 500 people, who were at a distance of up to two metres.

The audience, held in the San Damaso courtyard in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, was open to all without the need for tickets, but health protocols were in place.

Pope Francis last met members of the Catholic faithful at his weekly audience in early March.