Yes, it may be The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, but what if all you want is a Silent Night, asks Caomhan Keane

Pope Francis wrapped up a historic trip to his home continent yesterday with a Mass on Copacabana beach that drew a reported 3 million people, who cheered the first Latin American pope in a remarkable response to his message that the Catholic Church must shake itself up and get out into the streets to find the faithful.

Merkel, Biden and president Higgins among VIPs attending, reports Catherine Shanahan in Rome

Pope Francis put his humility on display during his first day as pontiff today, stopping by his hotel to pick up his luggage and pay the bill himself.

The Catholic archbishop-elect of San Francisco has apologised for his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving, saying he brought “shame” and “disgrace” on himself and the church.