Overnight pilgrims camped out on the famous stretch of beach ahead of a Mass to be celebrated there later on Sunday

A bread tank has been installed in Rio de Janeiro in order to raise awareness of the fight against poverty.

Thousands packed into the cavernous Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida to greet their fellow South American

Around 300 people clashed with riot police, as Pope Francis embarks on tour of potentially dangerous locations across Brazil

The device, discovered in a lavatory at one of the country's most revered shrines, was detonated safely

As the man charged with cleaning out the stables at the scandal-struck Vatican bank, Monsignor Battista Ricca will need Machiavellian cunning, good fortune and a whiter-than-white record to have even a fighting chance.

Court in charge of forgiveness of sins says those that follow upcoming event via social media will be granted indulgences

Former Prime Minister made four attempts to appoint disgraced presenter to knighthood before succeeding in 1990

Pope Francis confirms his predecessor's 'second miracle' - marking fastest progression to sainthood in modern times

Monsignor Nunzio Scarano is already under investigation in an alleged money-laundering plot involving the Vatican bank

His canonisation is likely to be on 20 October, just after the 35th anniversary of his election

Pope Francis has welcomed the Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby in Rome, the first time the two church leaders have met.

The city of Bristol boasts a striking new landmark after the unveiling of a giant mural depicting a breakdancing Jesus Christ.

The ‘infallible’ Pope’s proclamation that atheists will go to heaven has led to a rebuke from officials who declared they will go to hell. Jonathan Owen reports on the controversy