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Brown asks the Pope to visit UK
Joe Murphy, Political Editor19 Feb 2009
The Pope may visit Britain after being invited by Gordon Brown today.
Meeting Benedict XVI for the first time as Prime Minister, Mr Brown took the opportunity to extend an invitation.
Mr Brown, the son of a Church of Scotland minister, said: "He was very welcoming of the invitation."
There is no indication yet when it might take place. The last papal visit was by Pope John PaulII in 1982 and drew enormous crowds.
The Prime Minister was in the Vatican today to discuss the financial crisis with Benedict XVI.
Mr Brown said he had suggested the Pope might consider a visit to coincide with the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman - one of the most prominent English converts from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism - either later this year or next year.
A papal visit, perhaps taking place shortly before the next general election, would delight the 4.2 million Catholics in England and Wales.
However, Pope Benedict XVI has also attracted controversy because of his childhood membership of Hitler Youth and his views on homosexuality, so counter-demonstrations could follow his entourage.
John Paul II's visit was the first by any Pontiff to Britain. Millions watched his six-day tour, which began with the Holy Father kissing the tarmac at Gatwick Airport.
Reader views (16)
The Vatican has already turned America into the "New Roman Empire " We don,t want this man coming to Britain, he,s not welcome !!
"and call no man Father upon the earth, for one
is your Father, which is in heaven "
- Sandra, Liverpool England, 24/09/2009 21:50
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Things have really got bad when Brown has to consult with the Pope over the state of the economy. He obviously has not got a clue what to do and is seeking divine inspiration.
As for the Pope visiting Britain, it is just gimmick by Brown. We don't need the expense of it.
- William, London, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Heaven knows what Gordon Brown is doing discussing the financial crisis with Benedict XVI, he is harldy likely to be of any help, far too busy managing the very full coffers of the Vatican. Further, the assumption that Catholics would be thrilled by a visit from the pope ahead of a UK election is debatable. Yes the catholic church harbours a fair number of extreme right believers but for many of us Catholics, the choice of Benedict XVI was the worst possible one. Hardly going to make me run to the voting booth and vote for Gordon.
- Daniel, London, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Gordon must be planning to ask him to intercede with his boss. We must really be in a mess!
- Jo, London, 24/09/2009 20:50
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As a Catholic I have no desire to see this man in the U.K.
- Deborah, london u.k, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Gordon Brown is probably now praying for a miracle to save him! Not going to happen mate.
- Jim Barry, London, 24/09/2009 20:50
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By all means, let's welcome the Pope. Gordon Brown might learn at last, the meaning of Mea Culpa.
- Terence Patrick Hewett, southampton, uk, 24/09/2009 20:50
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I wonder if this is another stunt by Mr brown to try and win back some of the catholic votes,If the pope comes to our shores thats up to him but i will not be visiting london to see him.
- Matt, yorkshire, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Keep the pope and his illiberal nonsensical views out of the UK. Catholicism (like all religions) is a disease.
This pope is an ex member of the Hitler youth, that should tell you all you need to know.
I absolutely loathe religions and christianity is up there with the worst of them.
- Kerry, Purley, 24/09/2009 20:50
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This can only mean that we are in the final stages of total meltdown and this is Browns last desperate gesture.A Country wide pray in will be required of all, CTV cameras will be in place to ensure compliance.
- Frank, Dorchester Dorset, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Ah, fishing for votes, or may be considering doing a Tony?
- Hugh, Middx, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Is Scotland turning to Catholicism.Blair and now Brown,who next?
- Harvey Lawrence, london, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Lets hope it's because he has a desperate urge to confess.
- Isabel, Woking, 24/09/2009 20:50
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I can only assume that 'Deborah' above, a catholic is talking about Gordon Brown.......
- Bondy, spain, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Is is not a bit late in the day for this?.
Can't we follow Irelands example and become a 21 century democractic republic instead of a Romanised feudal state that is way too divided by class issues to go forward?
- James 2nd, UK, 24/09/2009 20:50
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Desperation from our autistic moron of an unelected PM. Thinks if all the world leaders with Obama (G20)and now the pope come their charisma will somehow rub off on him and his fortunes will be transformed. Methinks a strait-jacket and a padded cell are not too far away for this deluded nutter.
- Andrew Ellis, Leaving the sinking ship England, 24/09/2009 20:50
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