A lay Catholic group has come out in support of the Bishop of Kilmore, Leo O’Reilly’s position on the ordination of married men.

Irish Catholics seeking reform of their church are among 100 groups around the world who have jointly written to Pope Francis asking him to make major changes to the way the faith is governed.

Cardinals have set Tuesday as the start date for the conclave to elect the next pope.

A new lay organisation which wants to articulate the views and opinions of mainstream Irish Catholics is being established.