Pope Benedict XVI has broken his silence over the leaked documents scandal that has convulsed the Vatican, saying he was saddened by the betrayal but grateful to those aides who work faithfully and in silence to help him do his job.

Vatican police have arrested a man - reportedly the Pope's butler- on allegations of having leaked confidential documents and letters from the pontiff's private study to newspapers.

The Pope delivered his traditional Christmas Day blessing today, looking tired and unsteady but otherwise fine, hours after he was knocked down by a woman who jumped over a barrier in St Peter’s Basilica.

A man tried to jump into Pope Benedict XVI's uncovered popemobile as the pontiff began his general audience today in St. Peter's Square.

More crimes are committed per inhabitant in the Vatican City than any other country in the world, according to new statistics.