WorldFrenzied crowds greet Pope Francis in BrazilFrenzied crowds of Roman Catholics mobbed the car carrying Pope Francis when he returned to his home continent for the first time as pontiff, embarking on a seven-day visit meant to fan the fervour of the faithful around the globe.22 Jul 10:30 PM
WorldVatican asking for more cash to fund Pope's visitThe Vatican has asked Brazil for an additional €30 million ($49.5 million) to help cover an expected shortfall in funding for the visit of the Pope to Rio de Janeiro this month.05 Jul 05:30 PM
WorldVatican official in $33m fraud caseA Vatican official already under investigation in a purported money-laundering plot involving the Vatican bank was arrested yesterday in a separate operation.28 Jun 05:30 PM
WorldPope admits 'gay lobby' at work within CuriaPope Francis has admitted for the first time that there is a "gay lobby" within the Curia, the powerful governing body of the Roman Catholic Church.11 Jun 10:28 PM
WorldCardinal Pell admits church scandal fearsAustralia's most senior Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, has admitted the fear of scandal led to cover-up in the church over child abuse.27 May 08:51 PM
WorldCash cult alarms PopePope Francis has attacked the "dictatorship" of the global financial system and warned that the "cult of money" is making life a misery for millions.17 May 05:30 PM
KahuMaori priest a rare voiceAt yesterday's Palm Sunday service Pa Petera Tipene was causing a few of his female parishioners to run for the back ranks.24 Mar 04:30 PM
World'Unpredictable' pope worries securityThe day after his election, Francis eschewed the Vatican's armored limousine and traveled through the chaotic streets of Rome in an ordinary car to pick up his things at a downtown hotel.20 Mar 06:06 PM
WorldNew Pope wants church for poorAs he walked on to the stage of the Vatican's vast Paul VI audience hall, Pope Francis was still wearing the white cassock, plain crucifix and black shoes that have characterised his fledgling papacy's pared-down aesthetic.17 Mar 04:30 PM
OpinionLyndsay Freer: Intellectual with the common touchCardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was our new Pope. He took the name of Francis. In 2000 years there has never been a Pope Francis.14 Mar 08:30 PM
OpinionToby ManhireToby Manhire: Let marriage loose from the lawA genuinely secular state has no place in the finery and stresses of the weird and often wonderful ritual of a wedding, writes Toby Manhire.14 Mar 04:30 PM
WorldCatholics elect Pope Francis White smoke has billowed from a Sistine Chapel chimney to show that a new pope has been elected to replace the frail Benedict XVI as leader of the world's 1.2 billon Catholics.13 Mar 06:24 PM
WorldPriest's bravery during IRA killing of soldiers at funeral revealed"I felt I had done my best for them, but I failed. I felt it was a tragedy I had tried to stop and didn't".11 Mar 04:30 PM
New ZealandPresbytery in dangerThe 1888 Gothic revival presbytery beside St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral in Auckland CBD is an earthquake-prone building.07 Mar 04:30 PM
WorldCardinals need to act, and quicklyYesterday was Pope Benedict's last day in office, but the words customarily used to announce that we have a new Pope, "Habemus Papam", are likely to be a long time in coming.01 Mar 04:30 PM
WorldScandal hangs over cardinalsThree priests and a former priest in Scotland have reported the most senior Catholic clergyman in Britain, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, to the Vatican over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.24 Feb 04:30 PM
WorldMonastery home for BenedictTucked away in the leafy south-east corner of the Vatican City, lies the small monastery where the Pope will spend the rest of his days in quiet prayer and contemplation.13 Feb 04:30 PM
WorldHeartland of church in deep crisisWhoever takes the helm of the Vatican after the shock resignation of Benedict XVI will inherit a problem on his own doorstep.13 Feb 04:30 PM
OpinionEditorial: Pope's brave call raises hopes highEditorial: The papacy is one of precious few institutions in the modern world that does not change very much.12 Feb 04:29 PM
WorldWorld reacts to Pope’s resignationPope Benedict’s resignation has been greeted with surprise, admiration and disappointment from around the world.12 Feb 04:31 AM
WorldPope's resignation a 'surprising move', says KeyJohn Key is shocked about the Pope's resignation, describing the move by the 85-year-old as a "brave call".11 Feb 12:30 PM
EntertainmentBrit movie greats to play gay loversBritish movie greats Sir Michael Gambon and Alfred Molina are to play unlikely lovers in a new movie.20 Jan 09:59 PM
