An Irish author who wrote an entire book in a single, novel-length sentence has praised his publisher for being willing to take a risk after it scooped a £10,000 (€11,480) prize.

The Vatican has said that Catholics who want to be cremated cannot have their ashes scattered, divided up or kept at home.

As he stood on the banks of Lough Ree in the heart of Ireland’s Lake District, President Michael D Higgins gazed skywards to watch a bright rainbow of balloons swirl and soar to the heavens, each one a visible reminder of loss and heartache — but also a symbol of hope.

Pope Benedict XVI today said he would pray by the tombs of past Popes in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica on All Souls’ Day, and would give a special thought to the “beloved” Pope John Paul II.