Books Book Review: Warmth and humour, but no surprises, in the life story of Pope FrancisIn Life, the pontiff reflects on his 87 years through a series of personal anecdotes and homilies
Politics Michael D Higgins to meet Pope Francis on Rome visitPresident will address the opening of the World Food Forum in the Italian capital
Letter From America Marion McKeone: US Catholic hierarchy are heading for a very public split The deep political divide in the US is echoed in the schism in American Catholicism
Religion Pope ‘better than before’ as he is discharged from hospital after surgeryFrancis was discharged from the Rome hospital having undergone abdominal surgery nine days ago
Religion Pope Francis set to undergo intestinal surgeryThe Vatican said the 86-year-old would be put under general anaesthesia and would be in hospital for several days
Religion Pope warns Vatican missionaries over financial corruptionPope Francis tells Vatican mission societies that if spirituality is not driving the Catholic Church’s missionary efforts, there is a risk of corruption
Religion Susan O’Keefe: Mary McAleese was right to mock Pope FrancisPope Francis has signalled he does not intend for the Catholic Church to allow women to become priests
Religion TD criticises Pope for not appointing any Irish cardinals during his papacyCork North Central TD Colm Burke says the Catholic Church in Ireland will have no influence on the election of the next pope as a result