Pope Francis says it is OK to smack your children to discipline them – as long as their dignity is maintained.

“A Jesuit intellect and a Franciscan spirit may be exactly the combination of heart and head that the Church needs at this time.”

On a quiet city block in Toronto, alienated Roman Catholics who followed Pope John Paul to Canada have been airing their grievances with the church.

In an era of global terrorism and sex scandals in his church, a frail Pope John Paul will join young people from around the globe this week at World Youth Day festivities intended to invigorate spiritual devotion.