Absent Pell leaves power vacuum at the Vatican

It was the feast of St Peter and St Paul in Rome, a day of celebration, worship – and, for many Romans, an afternoon at the beach.

Cardinal George Pell charged with historical sex offences

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Cardinal George Pell will face historical sex offences.

Government 'nudge unit' to attempt to change people's behaviours

Psychological tricks used by governments to "nudge" how citizens behave may soon be applied to the domestic violence, commuter habits and end-of-life decisions.

Unknown Anzac buried in Pozieres

The Pozieres soil releases Anzacs. It's a regular event, even a ritual, that the locals are well familiar with – but it never fails to send shivers down the spine.

Securency manager walks free after time spent in Brazil hellhole jail

Ex-manager of banknote company sentenced to 30 months' jail for bribing official at Nigeria's mint.

Former Securency manager Peter Chapman found guilty on corruption charges

Trial of former manager of Australian banknote company nearly derailed by the British PM.

Vatican critic has harsh words for Pell

A controversial figure at the centre of Rome's "Vatileaks 2.0" scandal claims Cardinal George Pell influenced and hurried the work of a Vatican reform commission.

Cardinal George Pell: I have 'full backing' of Pope Francis

Cardinal George Pell has declared he has the "full backing of the Pope" on arrival at the second day of his cross-examination over sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Australia.

Germany leads Syrian refugee aid effort from UN with pledge of $3.6 billion

German chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged €2.3 billion ($3.6 billion) in aid for Syria, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis and the resulted exodus of refugees.