The week of prayer, Pope Francis said, urges Catholics and Lutherans to reconcile and "draw closer to one another anew through conversion."

The percentage of pregnancies ending in abortion is down to 18.8 percent, a decline of nearly two-fifths below is 1983 peak of 30.3 percent.

The main Irish Catholic party is demanding an early election.

At least one community said it will declare sanctuary status for itself.

The statement is expected to express remorse that the (Protestant) Church of England carried out so many acts of violence.