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.