Francis was making his first comments about the criticism levelled at the Vatican's handling of sex abuse cases by Marie Collins, an Irish abuse survivor who resigned from Francis' sex abuse advisory commission in March.

The Pope has begged forgiveness for the "sins and failings of the church and its members" during Rwanda's 1994 genocide and told Rwanda's president that he hoped his apology would help the country heal.

Pope Francis has told Mexicans to "shun the devil" in a speech aimed against those who traffic drugs.

Unexplained bruising on a newborn baby was not properly investigated by medical staff in the North, a review said.

Pope Francis has announced he will meet a group of sex abuse victims next month at the Vatican and declared "zero tolerance" for any member of the clergy who would violate a child.

The Israeli and Palestinian presidents are to pay a symbolic visit to the Vatican next month to pray for peace.

Worrying developments from the Korean Peninsula have been overshadowed this morning by the news that Brian Kennedy and The Hardy Bucks have now entered a 'state of war'

Pope Francis today offered intimate insights into the moments after his papal election, telling an audience with the press that he was immediately inspired to take the name of St Francis of Assisi because of his work for peace and the poor.

Socialite Paris Hilton feared for her life after allegedly receiving death threats last year, a Los Angeles court heard on Tuesday.

Norwich City 2 Newcastle United 1

Longford Town’s preparations for tonight’s clash with Shamrock Rovers have been dealt a blow having accepted a transfer request from striker Sean Francis.

Shamrock Rovers 0 Longford Town 1

Trevor Francis has been named as the new Crystal Palace manager on a four-year contract.