Pope Benedict XVI paid tribute to the legacy of his predecessor John Paul II, five years after his death, amid questions over the late pontiff's record in combating paedophile priests and whether a miracle needed for his sainthood really happened.

A conservative religious order that enjoyed the favour of Pope John Paul II has apologised to victims of sexual abuse by its founder.

The Vatican has finished its investigation into the shamed Catholic order Legionaries of Christ, but is still months away from publishing its findings.

I HAD hoped the meeting of Cardinal Seán Brady and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin with the Pope in Rome last Saturday would have been marked by dialogue rather than a series of one-sided recriminations. From initial reports it, seems to be more of the latter. A lot will depend on the forthcoming pastoral letter from the Pope.

The Vatican is expected to issue a statement tomorrow concerning its investigation into allegations the Mexican founder of the conservative order Legionaries of Christ sexually abused seminarians decades ago, officials said today.