Pope Francis will confirm his visit to Ireland this week, reports the Irish Catholic. Church in leaders in Pakistan have urged the prime minister to intervene after a spate of blasphemy cases. Cardinal Anthony Okogie has denounced President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of Nigeria’s security crisis. Russians reportedly account for 60 per cent of visitors to Mount Athos. Pope Francis has sent his condolences following the death of Cardinal Keith O’Brien. Fr Thomas Rosica says the Church will not bow to Justin Trudeau’s demands. And Martyn Wendell Jones reports on Cardinal Robert Sarah’s visit to Canada (David Mulroney, David Warren). Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.