Venerable Pontiffs

Earlier today His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI approved decrees recognising the 'heroic virtues' of both Pope Pius XII (1939-1958) and Pope John Paul II (1978-2005). This means that they will now have the title 'venerable'.

Vespers in the Vatican

Earlier this evening Pope Benedict XVI led a Vespers service in Saint Peter's Basilica with students from the University of Rome.

Bishop of Limerick Resigns

This morning the Holy See announced that the Holy Father had accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Limerick, Dr Donal Murray. Bishop Murray was strongly criticised in the recently-published Murphy Report into the handling by the Archdiocese of Dublin of allegations of child abuse by members of the clergy. Dr Murray served as an Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin between 1982 and 1996.

Irish Primates Visit Rome

The Most Reverend Diarmuid Martin (Primate of Ireland) and His Eminence Sean Cardinal Brady (Primate of All Ireland) addressing the media following their meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on Friday 11th December. His Holiness requested the meeting following the recent publication of the Murphy Report into how the Archdiocese of Dublin handled allegations of child sexual abuse.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Rome