In pictures: Opus Dei founder canonised

Thousands of pilgrims thronged St Peter's Square in Rome for the canonisation of the founder of the controversial Opus Dei movement, Jose Maria Escriva de Balaguer.

An estimated 250,00 pilgrims flocked to see the ceremony

The pope arrived on stage in his popemobile, in front of a giant picture of Escriva

The pilgrims came from 84 countries around the world

Many were from Latin America and the new saint's homeland of Spain

Among them was Manuel Rey (left) whose recovery from disease was deemed a miracle done by Escriva

Many of Opus Dei's 80,000 members are high-earners and the group has been accused of elitism

But despite the critics, the pope supports Opus Dei

Escriva is the 468th saint John Paul II has proclaimed since becoming pope