Italian voters today faced an intensely debated decision on assisted fertility in the second day of a referendum on proposals that would end a ban on embryo research and on donation of eggs and sperm.

Italy’s emotional battle over whether to relax restrictions on assisted fertility treatment went to the ballot box today.

The process to beatify Pope John Paul II, the first step towards possible sainthood, has begun with an edict inviting testimony from witnesses about his virtues – and proof of a miracle.

POPE Benedict XVI yesterday endorsed efforts by Italian bishops to restrict assisted fertility treatments, contending that a referendum next month to scrap parts of a law posed threats to life and the family.

Pope Benedict XVI today endorsed efforts by Italian bishops to restrict assisted fertility treatments, contending that a referendum next month to scrap parts of a law posed threats to life and the family.

CARDINALS start choosing a new Pope next week, but the successor to John Paul will be all sewn up well before the secret conclave opens.

Catholics’ thoughts turned to who might replace their beloved pope as the cardinals, silenced by an unprecedented pledge to not reveal their thinking, prepared to meet again today to plan next week’s conclave to select a new leader to replace John Paul II.

Finally at rest after years of debilitating disease, Pope John Paul II’s body lay in state today in the frescoed Apostolic Palace as the world mourned his passing and the Vatican prepared for the ritual-filled funeral and conclave that will elect his successor.

The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, celebrated a Mass for the repose of Pope John Paul II’s soul today on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica, calling on the tens of thousands of people gathered there to pray for “our beloved John Paul".

POPE John Paul II was nearing death last night as his health suddenly worsened, drawing anguished prayers from Catholics around the world reluctant to accept his historic pontificate was at an end.

MILLIONS of faithful around the world were praying for Pope John Paul II, as the 84-year-old head of the Catholic Church appeared to be approaching his final hours.

The Pope was clinging to life in grave condition today after suffering heart failure, but he was still lucid, fully conscious and ”extraordinarily serene,” the Vatican said.

Pope John Paul II’s own suffering kept him away from his flock on Good Friday, but he appeared via video at the Way of the Cross commemoration of Christ’s suffering at Rome’s torchlit Colosseum.

Pope John Paul II’s own suffering kept him away from his flock on Good Friday, but he appeared via video at Rome’s torchlit Colosseum at the Way of the Cross commemoration of Christ’s suffering.

THE Pope is reportedly not responding well to medication, but the gaunt-looking pontiff briefly appeared at his studio window to bless the faithful in St Peter’s Square yesterday.

Pope John Paul II is reportedly not responding well to medication, but he briefly appeared at his studio window to bless the faithful in St Peter’s Square today.

A drawn-looking Pope John Paul II, unable to preside over Palm Sunday Mass for the first time in his 26-year papacy, appeared at his apartment window to greet tens of thousands of pilgrims who filled St. Peter’s Square today.

IF the Catholic bishops feel discouraged by last week’s Prime Time survey, which shows that only 50% of the population now attends mass each week, they should remember that the Catholic church faces bigger challenges elsewhere.