Pope Benedict XVI has called for the Catholic Church to be given legal recognition in Muslim-majority but politically secular Turkey, which has faced criticism of its treatment of religious minorities as it seeks to become a member of the EU.

The (Lutheran) Church of Norway says its representatives were due to be present at a court case hearing yesterday on the future of one of the world's most ancient monasteries, Mor Gabriel in Turkey.

Eastenders star, Kara Tointon, has made a promotional video featuring Christian Aid's virtual gifts. The clip, which can be seen on You Tube, shows the actress who plays Dawn Swann in the soap, with children from Zambia.

The leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, visiting Pope Benedict XVI in Rome, has spoken of the "genocide" suffered by his compatriots in the Ottoman empire, and said that those with power should ensure that justice prevails.