The Apostolic Visitation in Ireland will "give particular attention to victims of abuse and their families", the Holy See Press Office has said.
Garry O'Sullivan, editor of the Irish Catholic, says the Irish bishops are seeking to limit the scope of the Visitation.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to Pope Benedict thanking him for condemning a threat to burn the Koran.
A priest who spent 25 years seeking Mary MacKillop's canonisation has denied reports that she was excommunicated for exposing child abuse.
Zenit publishes the full text of Benedict XVI's reflection on St Gertrude the Great at yesterday's general audience.
Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Barcelona on November 7 will cost up to 600,000 euros (£526,078, $837,852).
Sister Mary Ann Walsh argues that Pope Benedict is "a prophet whose voice illuminates Scripture".
And Fr James Schall SJ reviews Rupert Shortt's review of Tracey Rowland’s Benedict XVI: A Guide for the Perplexed.
