CATHOLICS were not encouraged to read the bible in this country, apparently because the hierarchy could not trust them to interpret it properly. It was symptomatic of a rather cavalier attitude towards education.

THE first message a new Pope sends to the world is encoded in the name he chooses.

AFTER Abraham Lincoln died in 1865 a joint resolution of the US Congress praised his "qualities of courage, will and indomitable persistence of purpose, which never flagged or faltered ...

THE world came to know Karol Wojtyla as Pope John Paul II, but Danuta Puklo remembers him as Lolek, the nickname for the generous boy who helped her pass a school test.

WHEN Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was made Pope, the Catholic world collectively gasped in astonishment.

POPE John Paul II was nearing death last night as his health suddenly worsened, drawing anguished prayers from Catholics around the world reluctant to accept his historic pontificate was at an end.

MILLIONS of faithful around the world were praying for Pope John Paul II, as the 84-year-old head of the Catholic Church appeared to be approaching his final hours.

PRAYERS were being said throughout the world yesterday for Pope John Paul II, who is in hospital receiving treatment for flu.

By TP O’Mahony WHEN the cardinals of the Catholic Church gather in conclave to elect the next Pope, what will they use as their papal template?

The pope has written a new book of poetry, a three-part meditation on nature, life and death – including his own – that makes clear he has no plans to step down.