Vatican City

The Pope says the use of condoms may sometimes be justified to stop the spread of AIDS and in other situations – a “welcome” clarification, says one young Catholic who spoke to Channel 4 News.

Catholic commentator Michael Walsh writes for Channel 4 News on how Pope Benedict will visit a very different Britain to that seen by his predecessor Pope John Paul II in 1982.

Ahead of the Pope’s visit to Britain this week, it’s emerged more men are training to be priests in England. One new recruit and one thinking of becoming a priest speak to Channel 4 News.

Days before the Pope arrives in the UK for his state visit, event organiser Lord Patten tells Channel 4 News the allegations have left an “appalling stain on the Catholic church”.

Two of the special bullet-proofed Popemobile cars have arrived in the UK, ahead of this week’s state visit in which thousands of pilgrims are expected to turn out to see Pope Benedict XVI.