The head of Opus Dei, the conservative Catholic organisation depicted in The Da Vinci Code as a murderous, power-hungry sect, says some good might come out of the work, according to an interview published today.

ROYALTIES for Pope Benedict XVI’s writings and speeches? The Italian publishing world is aghast.

A frail but determined Pope John Paul led his general audience today and, brushing aside any suggestions he is cutting back, announced that, “God willing,” he will travel to a shrine in Pompeii next week.