Pope Benedict XVI has marked the end of a difficult year by saying that goodness prevails despite all the death and injustice in the world.

Israel’s prime minister has cautioned Palestinians against taking unilateral action in their efforts to establish an independent state, saying only direct talks could bring peace to the region.

The pope will break with tradition this year and celebrate Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10pm instead of midnight, the Vatican announced today.

Pope Benedict XVI today marked the 500th anniversary of the laying of the first stone of the current St. Peter’s Basilica, saying he hoped it would awaken Catholics’ desire to be “living cornerstones” of the church’s growth.

Pope Benedict XVI ushered in Easter services with a dramatic, candlelit vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica during which he said Christ’s resurrection was ”the most crucial leap” in the history of mankind.

Pilgrims began arriving in Rome today to mark the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, praying by his tomb and preparing for an evening vigil tomorrow night in St Peter’s Square to commemorate the exact time of his passing.

Fifteen prelates from around the world joined the elite College of Cardinals in the Vatican today, becoming the newest advisers to the Pope who one day will be called on to elect his successor.

Pope Benedict XVI today said he would pray by the tombs of past Popes in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica on All Souls’ Day, and would give a special thought to the “beloved” Pope John Paul II.

The head of the conservative Roman Catholic movement Opus Dei suggested today the Catholic Church should consider not giving out Communion during huge Masses because it cannot be done “in a dignified way".

Pope Benedict XVI ordained 21 new priests for Rome today, but with the number of fresh recruits for the clergy falling in western Europe, many of the men he ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica came from Latin America and Africa.

Pope Benedict XVI marked the passing of a month since John Paul II’s death today at a Mass in his private chapel, the Vatican said.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, a long-time guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy, has been elected pope this afternoon in the first conclave of the new millennium.

Cardinals began “an intense period of silence and prayer” inthe Vatican before their conclave to choose the next pope, saying they will stop speaking publicly to protect the strict secrecy surrounding the centuries-old tradition.

Cardinals began “an intense period of silence and prayer” today before their conclave in the Vatican City, saying they would stop speaking publicly to protect the strict secrecy that surrounds the centuries-old tradition of choosing the next pope.

Finally at rest after years of debilitating disease, Pope John Paul II’s body lay in state today in the frescoed Apostolic Palace as the world mourned his passing and the Vatican prepared for the ritual-filled funeral and conclave that will elect his successor.

Pope John Paul II’s body went on display at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace today.

Pope John Paul II’s absence was felt by worried followers as poor health forced him to miss major Holy Week events, and the pontiff’s suffering gave special significance to Good Friday’s ceremonies.

Even if Pope John Paul is released from hospital in time for Easter at the end of the month, the frail pontiff is unlikely to fully participate in services marking Christianity’s most solemn holiday.

Pope John Paul II made a surprise appearance from a hospital window in Rome today, waving to the faithful just after a top Vatican official on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica read a statement from the pontiff asking for prayers.

Pope John Paul II will hold a New Year’s midnight Mass in his private chapel for the victims of the tsunamis that have devastated Asia, his office said today.

In a Christmas Eve message of peace, Pope John Paul II lit a candle outside his darkened window and celebrated a Mass that offered prayers for calm and prosperity in the Holy Land.

Pope John Paul II bestowed one of the Catholic Church’s highest honours today on Mother Teresa, the nun who cared for many of the world’s poorest people.

A massive power blackout which crippled Italy and left most of its 57 million people without electricity for hours was today blamed ... on a tree.

The Pope began Easter Sunday Mass today with a call to the faithful to work tirelessly for peace.