CHANCELLOR Angela Merkel returns from a two-week break to the front line of the debt crisis amid a clamour over the conduct of Germany’s president that threatens to damage her own standing and detract from her efforts to defend the euro.

Pope Benedict XVI has begun the first state visit to his German homeland, seeking to stem the tide of Catholics leaving the church while acknowledging the damage caused by the clerical sex abuse scandal.

GERMANY’S President celebrated the country’s new-found national pride but also stressed that more needs to be done to integrate Muslim and other immigrants as he marked the 20th anniversary of reunification yesterday.

Thousands of mourners watched in tears today as German rescue workers lit one white candle for each of the 21 people crushed to death in a tunnel at the Love Parade techno music festival.

A memorial service was held today for 21 people who were crushed to death at the Love Parade techno music festival in Germany.