THE sight of Pope Benedict XVI tweeting on an iPad reveals a transformation underway in the tradition-bound Vatican to reach a younger global audience and improve a scandal-tainted image.

The new Nato commander of the international military operation in Libya says he is looking into reports that air strikes on Tripoli have killed at least 40 civilians.

Hundreds were feared dead tonight after a landslide buried a Bolivian goldmining village under a sea of mud.

The Vatican has denied a report in the National Catholic Reporter that says sexual abuse of nuns by priests is a serious problem.