Pope Benedict XVI has suspended the planned beatification of a French priest while the Vatican investigates allegations of anti-Semitism in his writings.

The Vatican has put the planned beatification of a French priest, Leon Dehon, on hold after complaints about anti-Semitism in his writings emerged, a Vatican official revealed today.

The mother of an Italian priest abducted in the Philippines last week appealed for his son’s release, saying that, once free, he will continue loving and helping those who are in need.