The Vatican has heatedly defended Pope Benedict XVI, claiming accusations that he helped cover up the actions of paedophile priests are part of an anti-Catholic “hate” campaign targeting the Pope for his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

AS cardinals prepare to elect a new Pope, one Catholic community in particular has much at stake - Opus Dei, the ultraconservative movement at the centre of the furore generated by The Da Vinci Code book.

As cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, one Catholic community in particular has much at stake – Opus Dei, the ultraconservative movement at the centre of the furore generated by The Da Vinci Code book.