Pope Benedict XVI today has expressed his "profound regret at the actions of some members of the clergy".

The late Pope John Paul II's private secretary has revealed the former pontiff was wounded by a knife-wielding priest in a shocking new documentary.

ARCHBISHOP Seán Brady said yesterday he was “humbled” after the Vatican announced he was to be made cardinal.

President George Bush and his wife, Laura, were praying for Pope John Paul and that world’s concern over his failing health was “a testimony to his greatness,” the White House said today.

Pope John Paul II is “progressively improving” and following the Church’s activities daily, the Vatican said today, suggesting he might be released from the hospital in time for Easter.

Pope John Paul II is “progressively improving” and following the Roman Catholic Church’s activities daily, the Vatican said today, declining to set a date for his release from the hospital but suggesting he might leave before Easter.

The pope’s envoy said he came away from his meeting in Baghdad with Saddam Hussein convinced that peace is possible. Cardinal Roger Etchegaray described the Iraqi leader “very open to dialogue.”