Figures show Church is growing fast in Norway

Norway’s Catholic population has grown by 42 per cent in the past four years, new figures reveal.

The agency Statistics Norway said there were now 145,000 Catholics in the country. The growth reflects migration from Poland, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Priest who led Jesuits for 25 years dies at 87

Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, who served as Jesuit superior from 1983 to 2008, has died aged 87. The Pope praised his “complete fidelity to Christ”.

Christmas tree arrives in St Peter’s Square

An 82ft Christmas tree has arrived in St Peter’s Square. The tree, which will be lit up next weekend, is from Trento, northern Italy.