Pope Benedict XVI visited the town of Sulmona yesterday to mark the 800th birthday of Pope St Celestine V (video, full text). John Allen provides analysis.

The leader of Northern Ireland's largest Protestant denomination says he welcomes the Pope's state visit to Britain.

West Midlands police are reportedly concerned about the cost of protecting Pope Benedict during his visit to Birmingham. Meanwhile, police in Scotland have reportedly advised the Pope not to travel the length of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in his Popemobile.