The Vatican has launched an internal, criminal investigation into the leaks of confidential documents which alleged corruption and financial mismanagement and exposed power struggles among Holy See officials, a Vatican prelate said today.

THE Vatican yesterday protested to Belgium over raids carried out on Church offices and the home of a cardinal by investigators looking into sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests.

Nearly 50 years of rule by Fidel Castro ended in Cuba tonight as parliament chose his brother Raul to replace him – a transition that leaves the island’s communist system unshaken.

The Pope is to return to Ireland next year to mark the 25th anniversary of his first visit to the country, it was confirmed today.