Pope Francis told Jimmy Carter that "women should have a greater role” in the Church, the former US president has said (video). City councillors in Belfast will debate whether to invite the Pope to Northern Ireland next week. Prospect magazine has named Francis among its "top 50 world thinkers". The Pontiff will hear Confessions in St Peter's Basilica on Friday night (video). American Bishop James Conley says priests "shouldn't be afraid to preach" about contraception. Patrick Archbold wonders if Pope Francis has a "secret plan" on Holy Communion for the remarried. And Michael McLuhan recalls that his "fervent Catholic" father, Marshall, who would rise daily at 5am to read the New Testament. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.