Latest from Catholic Church

<i>Peter Bills</i>: Bouquets and background checks

Sex abuse victims turn down payout

Bells toll for Pike River 29

"We pray that their moment of fear becomes eternal peace," said Monsignor Gerry O'Connor during an emotional tribute to the Pike River miners in Greymouth.

<i>Duncan Gillies</i>: Forgive me Father but I'm confused about evil

Pike River blast: Locals in limbo

West Coasters went about their business today hoping for the best but painfully aware of the grim record of tragedies in mining.

Miner who avoided Pike River blast faces anxious wait

He avoided yesterday's Pike River blast by minutes - now a miner waits for news of trapped workmates.

Reclusive monks want fresh blood for thinned ranks

Poland: Priest's giant statue is 'world's tallest Christ'

Soaring 36m towards the heavens, a new statue in Poland has dethroned the landmark Jesus of Rio de Janeiro as the world's tallest statue of Christ.

<i>Gwynne Dyer</i>: Why Pope can't stand diversity and tolerance

<i>Dominic Lawson:</i> Pope Benedict wins over doubters

The <i>Independent</i>'s Dominic Lawson writes about how the Pope won a lot of friends on his recent visit to Britain.

Pope facing a daunting task

<i>Duncan Gillies</i>: Public unhappy at having to pay for preacher's visit

Sainthood for Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa of Calcutta will be made an official saint of the Roman Catholic Church tomorrow, just 19 years after her death.

Anger over $30m project leads to political action

Susan Boyle's Pope honour

Susan Boyle has spoken of her honour at being chosen to sing for Pope Benedict XVI when he visits Glasgow in September.

Bomb scare clears Lourdes