“We desire the opening of our churches and access to the sacraments. Until then, we are continuing to pray and prepare," says Cardinal Vin Nichols and four other archbishops.

“Mary, Consolation of the afflicted, embrace all your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out his all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course,” prays Pope Francis.

The miracle relates to the healing of a baby in the womb whose life, and that of her mother's, were under threat.

Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops join Jesuits in welcoming the news that the Irish priest, who was baptised an Anglican, is to be beatified.

Pontiff marks Feast of All Souls and hails “the anonymous who rest in common graves as unknown saints”.

Heart of infant who was stillborn started beating again an hour after his birth.