The issue of divorce is stoking a spirited debate between Catholic cardinals and revealing the challenges and expectations for Pope Francis after his promises to put the Church more in touch with modern life.

Irish Catholics seeking reform of their church are among 100 groups around the world who have jointly written to Pope Francis asking him to make major changes to the way the faith is governed.

The pope today defended the Vatican’s practice of consulting with bishops as cardinals ended an extraordinary meeting with some calls for more power-sharing and a frank debate among top officials.