Ukraine has raided three churches aligned to Russia amid mounting tensions between the two countries.

Israeli Knesset has dropped the discussion of a draft bill that would allow the Tel Aviv regime to expropriate lands belonging to churches in Jerusalem al-Quds.

Ukrainians have taken to the streets to take part in a public prayer for the national church as the country is edging nearer to being granted an Orthodox church independent from Russia.

The head of global Orthodox Christianity has recognized Ukrainian churches as independent from the Russian Orthodox Church, sparking cheers in Kiev amid criticisms that Moscow had been trying to promote political influence through its churches.

Pope Francis removes a Chilean priest under investigation in a case involving the sexual abuse of children.

The number of cases of abuse in Chile's Roman Catholic Church under investigation by prosecutors has more than tripled to 119 in the past month.

The Catholic Church in Australia said on Friday it would oppose laws forcing priests to report child abuse when they learn about it in the confessional.

Irish victims of clerical, religious and institutional abuse were joined by activists and supporters on Sunday to protest against the first papal visit to Ireland in almost 40 years.

Pope Francis's visit to Ireland is being dominated by calls for action on church sex scandals.

Pope Francis has voiced his support for the victims of US "predator" priests amid mounting accusations of the Vatican cover-up.