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Tony Blair 'will covert to Catholic faith within weeks'
Last updated at 22:37pm on 08.11.07Tony Blair is preparing to convert to Roman Catholicism within weeks, it emerged last night.
The news prompted demands from followers of the faith for the former prime minister to renounce his previous support for abortion.
Mr Blair's long-expected switch to the faith of his wife and four children is expected to come at a Mass in the private chapel of Cardinal Cormac Murphy- O'Connor, the leader of Roman Catholics in England and Wales.
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Path to Rome: Tony Blair meets the Pope at the Vatican
The Catholic newspaper The Tablet says the service of conversion will take place this month.
Mr Blair has regularly attended Catholic services in recent years, both with his family and alone. He has also visited Pope Benedict XVI and his predecessor John Paul II.
The Tablet said Mr Blair has received instruction from two priests, RAF chaplain John Walsh and Father Mark O'Toole, the cardinal's secretary.
A candidate for reception into the Catholic Church is usually received by their parish priest.
The cardinal's involvement, as Archbishop of Westminster, would suggest Mr Blair's process of conversion began while he was in Downing Street.
Mr Blair's spokesman did not deny the report, saying: "This is the same old speculation", but a friend said it was "not without substance".
News of the imminent move drew calls from leading Catholics for Mr Blair to renounce his backing in Parliament for abortion up to 24 weeks.
Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, who converted to Catholicism over her opposition to women priests in the Church of England, said: "I hope we will get a public statement repudiating his votes on abortion. Indeed, the Church will require it.
"The Church requires that we say at the point of reception that everything the Church teaches is revealed truth. There's no hedging.
"Mr Blair has taken a very public stand on the matter of abortion, and the Church stand being very publicly different, we are entitled to know what he now thinks.
"Without that, it cannot possibly be a serious move."
As premier, Mr Blair clashed frequently with Catholic leaders over his liberal attitudes to gay rights and other issues.
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Reader views (10)
Wow, one must honour his decision with humble resound!
Take a step back in time to the 16th Century, I recall King Charles's decision to re-institute the Catholic Church in England.
Oh my, he was beheaded!
The flutter or words by the executioner as the king's head laid against the chopping block: Does it please your Majesty?
I guess time has proven itself and England has become more civilised.
- John, Middlesbroug
Honestly, give the man a break.
Something must have occured in his life that motivated him toward the church.
Remember, it is grace that allows us to enter the Catholic church/faith.
The old saying "God moves in mysterious ways" is very true!
Greet Tony Blair with a friendly smile, he is trying!
- Monk L, USA
Catholic! I didn't think he was even a Christian! He's a sly, lying, underhand hypocrite. I thought Christ himself described people like that as "vipers".
- Cathy, West Sussex
Oh no! He's lining himself up for the Popes job now!
- Threaded, Roskilde, Denmark
I am happy to hear he is becoming a catholic. I hope he does not change his views on abortion, gay rights, etc. A bit of fresh air into the catholic chuch and a symbol for all liberal catholics (yes, we do exist) in the world.
- Angela, London UK
Blair can become a nun for all we care.
- Annabelle, London
So long as I hear nothing about him, I am happy unless I hear the name of Brown!
- Bill, London
Let me guess- "It's just the right thing to do..." *waves hands manically*
- Dave, London
Oh dear, the poor Catholic Church.
- Trevor Roll, London
Well, with four kids he's certainly keeping up that end of the Catholic bargain!
- Suzanne, surrey
