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Showing posts with label State Visit to Britain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label State Visit to Britain. Show all posts
Saturday, September 18, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: Up to 9,000 protesters have gathered on the streets of London to demonstrate against Pope Benedict XVI's state visit.
Organisers estimated up to 10,000 were due to join the march to Downing Street in opposition to the papal tour, but shortly before the march police put the growing crowd at between 7,000 and 9,000.
Campaigners held aloft banners stating ''the Pope is wrong – put a condom on'' and ''Pope protects paedophile priests'' as they joined the march.
The action is supported by the British Humanist Association and the National Secular Society among others.
Protesters cite a number of grievances against the Vatican's stance on issues ranging from gay rights, the use of condoms and the Church's response to clerical sex abuse.
As they waited to set off, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell accused the Pontiff of obstructing police investigations into paedophile priests.
He said: "The Pope's apologies do not ring true. Even today he is refusing to hand over Vatican files he holds under lock and key. Priests who sexually abused children should. Be brought to justice and the church should do his bit."
The action is supported by the British Humanist Association and the National Secular Society among others.
Protesters cite a number of grievances against the Vatican's stance on issues ranging from gay rights, the use of condoms and the Church's response to clerical sex abuse.
As they waited to set off, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell accused the Pontiff of obstructing police investigations into paedophile priests. >>> Patrick Sawer and Alastair Jamieson | Saturday, September 18, 2010
THE INDEPENDENT: Benedict XVI hit out at what he described as the "increasing marginalisation of religion" during a dramatic second day of the papal visit during which police arrested six men for an alleged terrorist plot to attack the Pope.
Speaking to members of civil society in Westminster Hall, a venue filled with symbolism for the Catholic Church as the place where St Thomas More was condemned to death for refusing to abandon his loyalty to Rome, the Pope last night praised Britain's Parliamentary tradition for creating a "pluralist democracy which places great value on freedom of speech".
But he also attacked moves to relegate religion to the private sphere and said more should be done to protect religious festivals such as Christmas. Continue reading and comment >>> Jerome Taylor, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Saturday, September 18, 2010
THE INDEPENDENT: Pope's 'deep sorrow' over child abuse scandal: Pope Benedict XVI today offered his strongest public apology of his state visit to victims of child abuse within the Catholic Church.
The Pontiff told of the "shame and humiliation" brought by the scandal and expressed "deep sorrow" once again for the "unspeakable crimes". >>> Katie Hodge, Press Association | Saturday, September 18, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: The Pope strongly criticised the “marginalisation” of Christianity in modern Britain, claiming that churchgoers were forced to act against their conscience in the name of secular equality.
Delivering the most important speech of his historic visit, he attacked the politically correct ideas that Christmas should not be celebrated for fear of offending minorities and that the faithful should be forced to keep their beliefs to themselves.
Speaking in Westminster Hall before an audience including four former prime ministers, the Pope declared that politicians must not interfere with the running of Roman Catholic institutions, in what would be seen as a reference to those adoption agencies and faith schools that felt under attack from the previous Labour government.
He spoke earlier in the day of the threat posed by “aggressive secularism”, words that were echoed by Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks. Cheering crowds had lined the streets of London to welcome Benedict XVI, first in Twickenham, then in the centre of the capital. >>> Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Friday, September 17, 2010
BBC: Papal visit: Pope Benedict in London (with video) >>> | Friday, September 17, 2010
THE INDEPENDENT: Pope Benedict XVI tonight attacked the "increasing marginalisation" of Christianity, arguing that religion should be recognised for its "vital" contribution to the nation.
The Pontiff told MPs, peers, and religious leaders in Westminster Hall that there were "worrying signs" of a failure to appreciate the rights of believers to freedom of conscience and the "legitimate" role of religion in public life.
In his speech, the Pope said he was voicing his concern at the growing marginalisation of religion - particularly of Christianity - even in nations which place a great emphasis on tolerance.
"There are those who would advocate that the voice of religion be silenced, or least relegated to the purely private sphere," he said.
"There are those who argue that the public celebration of festivals such as Christmas should be discouraged, in the questionable belief that it might somehow offend those of other religions or none.
"And there are those who argue - paradoxically, with the intention of eliminating discrimination - that Christians in public roles should be required at times to act against their conscience."
The Pope's remarks are likely to be interpreted as aimed in part at the failure of the Catholic adoption agencies to retain the right to refuse gay couples as potential adoptive parents.
The Church has also come under fire over the right to run faith schools and whether it should be allowed to bar sexually active gay people from key appointments.
In his speech, the Pope highlighted Catholic martyr St Thomas More, who was tried in Westminster Hall and sentenced to death in 1535.
The Pope paid tribute to the role of Parliament and its influence in developing democratic Government across the world.
He said Catholic social teaching had "much in common" with the approach of Britain's democracy with its "strong sense" of the individual's rights and duties and of the equality of all citizens before the law.
Former prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Sir John Major and Baroness Thatcher were all present in Westminster Hall to hear the speech. Read on and comment >>> Martha Linden and Andrew Woodcock, PA | Friday, September 17, 2010
Pope Benedict XVI publicly shook hands with a clergywoman for the first time in a historic gesture ahead of a service at Westminster Abbey. >>> | Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: Freedom of religion is at the heart of British society, the Queen said as she welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to Britain.Meeting the Pope for the first time at Holyroodhouse Palace, her official residence in Scotland, she praised the contribution of Christianity to world development.
The Queen also praised the contribution of the Roman Catholic Church in helping the poor, educating the young and bringing about peace in Northern Ireland.
Her comments echoed those made by Baroness Warsi, the Conservative party chairman, who said earlier this week that “faith is very much alive and kicking” in Britain.
The papal plane touched down at Edinburgh International Airport on Thursday morning and in a break with tradition the Pontiff was greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh.
The entourage swept onto the courtyard of Holyroodhouse Palace in limousines where the Queen and the Pope shook hands at the formal welcome.
The two heads of state stood shoulder to shoulder, with the Duke of Edinburgh behind them, on a small dais in front of a Guard of Honour formed of men from the Queen’s historic Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers, who carry longbows and wear bonnets decorated with a single eagle feather.
The Papal Anthem and the National Anthem were played by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, before the Queen introduced the Pope to a line of dignitaries including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams; the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg; and Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland.
Peter Robinson, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, was not there although his name had been on an official list.
The Queen, the Pope and the Duke of Edinburgh exchanged gifts in the Morning Drawing Room.
Benedict was presented with a facsimile of 85 drawings by Hans Holbein the Younger, and then gave the Queen a copy of the Lorsch Gospels dating from 778 to 820. She thanked him and described the book as “lovely”. >>> Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent in Edinburgh | Thursday, September 16, 2010
THE INDEPENDENT: Pope Benedict XVI praised the UK as a "force for good" today as he arrived for a historic visit.
But he also delivered a warning about "aggressive forms of secularism" when he urged the nation not to lose its traditional values as it "strives to be a modern and multicultural society".
The pontiff was officially welcomed by the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the first papal state visit to the UK.
In a speech at the palace, delivered in English, the Pope spoke of the UK's important place in history.
He said: "Your forefathers' respect for truth and justice, for mercy and charity, come to you from a faith that remains a mighty force for good in your kingdom, to the great benefit of Christians and non-Christians alike."
He cited anti-slave campaigners William Wilberforce and David Livingstone, and women such as Florence Nightingale, as examples of that force for good.
And he praised Britain's fight against Hitler's "atheist extremism", saying that "Britain and her leaders stood against a Nazi tyranny that wished to eradicate God from society and denied our common humanity to many, especially the Jews, who were thought unfit to live".
The Pope, who was forced to join the Hitler Youth as a 14-year-old schoolboy, said the UK remained "a key figure politically and economically on the international stage".
"Your Government and people are the shapers of ideas that still have an impact far beyond the British Isles. This places upon them a particular duty to act wisely for the common good."
And, referring to the future, he delivered an apparent warning about the risks to the nation's traditional values.
He said: "Today, the United Kingdom strives to be a modern and multicultural society.
"In this challenging enterprise, may it always maintain its respect for those traditional values and cultural expressions that more aggressive forms of secularism no longer value or even tolerate." >>> PA | Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: The diplomat who has been disciplined over a Foreign Office memo mocking the Pope was accused last night of being “clueless” about the Catholic faith.
Anjoum Noorani, 31, was the leader of the Papal Visit Team which drew up a document suggesting the Pope should launch his own range of “Benedict” condoms, open an abortion clinic and stay in a council flat in Bradford.
Mr Noorani, whose identity has until now remained secret, was moved to “other duties” after he gave authorisation for the memo to be sent to Downing Street and three Whitehall departments.
The memo, which was leaked to The Sunday Telegraph, threatens to overshadow the Pope’s entire four-day visit in September after it prompted fury in the Vatican and among Catholics in Britain.
Senior members of the church have described Mr Noorani and his team as having “not the slightest understanding of Catholicism”. None of the four-strong group is thought to be a practising Catholic.
The memo, which also called for the Pope to bless a homosexual marriage, was emailed around Whitehall by Steven Mulvain, a 23-year-old Oxford graduate who describes his sexual orientation on a social networking website as “gay”.
Mr Mulvain has not been disciplined for his role in the fiasco.
Mr Noorani, who, like Mr Mulvain, is a graduate of Balliol College, Oxford, chaired the “brainstorm” session which led to the “Ideal Visit” memo, which also proposed that the Pope should sing a duet with the Queen and sponsor a network of Aids clinics.
He worked as press secretary at the British Embassy in Russia between 2002 and 2007, where he dealt with all Russian media inquiries about Britain’s response to the murder of the former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko. He was unavailable for comment last night and his mother, who lives in Windsor, said she “can’t say anything”.
Although the Vatican is now trying to draw a line under the memo fiasco, Papal aides believe the Government’s choice of non-Catholic staff typifies the “lack of respect” being shown towards the first ever state visit by a Pontiff. >>> Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter | Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Related:
THE TELEGRAPH: Pope's Visit to Britain Will Go Ahead Despite Offensive Memo, Says Vatican >>> Monday, April 26, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: Pope 'Could Cancel UK Visit' Over 'Offensive' Foreign Office Memo >>> Gordon Rayner and Nick Pisa in Rome | Sunday, April 25, 2010
My comment, Sunday, April 15, 2010:
Such disgusting behaviour from the Foreign Office. What kind of low-life do they employ there these days? This is no way to behave; and it is certainy no way to treat the Pope. Would these same people have had the courage to write these things about the visit of a Muslim cleric? I think we all know the answer to that question! Disgusting! Absolutely disgusting! And if the Pope cancels his visit, no one should be at all surprised. – © Mark
Today’s comment:
Forgive me for asking, but isn’t this man a Muslim? So why ever would the Foreign Office make a Muslim the leader of the ‘Papal Visit Team’? It’s the Foreign Office that’s “clueless”, not Anjoum Nourani! If this man is indeed a Muslim, he’ll be anything but “clueless” about Roman Catholicism; on the contrary, he’ll be all clued up! He knew exactly what he was doing. Isn't this just another attack on Judeo-Christianity by a member of the “Religion of Peace”? – © Mark
Monday, April 26, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: The Pope's visit to Britain will not be affected by the disclosure of a Foreign Office document mocking the Catholic Church, the Vatican said.
Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi has noted a Foreign Office apology and said the paper will have ''absolutely'' no impact on the Pope's visit in September, an official confirmed. >>> | Monday, April 26, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: Pope memo sent by 23-year-old Oxford graduate: A “puerile” Foreign Office memo which has thrown the Pope’s state visit to Britain into doubt was circulated by a 23-year-old Oxford graduate who once included “drinking a lot” among his hobbies. >>> Gordon Rayner and Nick Pisa in Rome | Monday, April 26, 2010
Related:
THE TELEGRAPH: Pope 'Could Cancel UK Visit' Over 'Offensive' Foreign Office Memo >>> Gordon Rayner and Nick Pisa in Rome | Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: The Pope could cancel his planned visit to Britain because of a “hugely offensive” Foreign Office memo mocking his stance on abortion and birth control, sources in the Vatican said.
Senior Papal aides suggested the Foreign Office had not taken strong enough disciplinary action against those responsible for the document, which suggested the Pope should open an abortion clinic, bless a homosexual marriage and launch his own range of condoms while he is here.
No-one has lost their job over the memo, which was sent to Downing Street and at least three Whitehall departments, and the civil servant who authorised it has simply been moved to other duties.
One highly-placed source in the Vatican said: “This could have very severe repercussions and is embarrassing for the British government - one has to question whether the action taken is enough.
“It is disgusting. Britain’s ambassador to the Holy See has been in to see the Secretary of State and explain what happened and this will all be relayed to the Pope.
“It’s even possible the trip could be cancelled as this matter is hugely offensive.”
Cardinal Renato Martino, the former head of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said: “The British government has invited the Pope as its guest and he should be treated with respect.
“To make a mockery of his beliefs and the beliefs of millions of Catholics not just in Britain but across the world is very offensive indeed.” >>> Gordon Rayner and Nick Pisa in Rome | Sunday, April 25, 2010
Such disgusting behaviour from the Foreign Office. What kind of low-life do they employ there these days? This is no way to behave; and it is certainy no way to treat the Pope. Would these same people have had the courage to write these things about the visit of a Muslim cleric? I think we all know the answer to that question! Disgusting! Absolutely disgusting! And if the Pope cancels his visit, no one should be at all surprised. – © Mark
Related:
THE TELEGRAPH: Ministers Apologise for Insult to Pope >>> Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Saturday, April 24, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH: The Government has apologised to the Pope over official documents that mocked his forthcoming visit to Britain by suggesting he should bless a gay marriage and even launch Papal-branded condoms.
The astonishing proposals, leaked to The Sunday Telegraph, were contained in secret papers drawn up earlier this month by civil servants following a 'brainstorm’.
The ideas, included in a memo headed 'The ideal visit would see ...’, ridiculed the Catholic Church’s teachings including its opposition to abortion, homosexual behaviour and contraception. Many appeared to be deliberately provocative rather than a serious attempt to plan an itinerary for the September visit.
The proposals, which were then circulated among key officials in Downing Street and Whitehall, also include the Pope opening an abortion ward; spending the night in a council flat in Bradford; doing forward rolls with children to promote healthy living; and even performing a duet with the Queen. >>> Jonathan Wynne-Jones, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Saturday, April 24, 2010
THE SUNDAY TIMES: Foreign Office sorry for insult to Pope: THE government apologised to the Pope last night after an official paper suggested he should be asked to open an abortion clinic, bless a gay marriage and launch a Benedict-branded condom range on his state visit in September. >>> Kate Youde | Sunday, April 25, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
THE TELEGRAPH – BLOG: Pope Benedict XVI floored the party leaders during the Sky debate. What will they do when he’s really here? >>> Will Heaven | Friday, April 23, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
THE SUNDAY TIMES: RICHARD DAWKINS, the atheist campaigner, is planning a legal ambush to have the Pope arrested during his state visit to Britain “for crimes against humanity”.
Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, the atheist author, have asked human rights lawyers to produce a case for charging Pope Benedict XVI over his alleged cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic church.
The pair believe they can exploit the same legal principle used to arrest Augusto Pinochet, the late Chilean dictator, when he visited Britain in 1998.
The Pope was embroiled in new controversy this weekend over a letter he signed arguing that the “good of the universal church” should be considered against the defrocking of an American priest who committed sex offences against two boys. It was dated 1985, when he was in charge of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which deals with sex abuse cases.
Benedict will be in Britain between September 16 and 19, visiting London, Glasgow and Coventry, where he will beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman, the 19th-century theologian.
Dawkins and Hitchens believe the Pope would be unable to claim diplomatic immunity from arrest because, although his tour is categorised as a state visit, he is not the head of a state recognised by the United Nations. >>> Marc Horne | Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
TIMES ONLINE: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster today attempted to defuse a row that threatens to overshadow the Pope's forthcoming visit to Britain by claiming that Benedict XVI was merely giving voice to what many people felt when he attacked this country's record of promoting equal rights for gays.
Surprise at the Pope's remarks was today giving way in Britain to more determined opposition to his views, with the National Secular Society vowing to set up a Protest the Pope campaign to hold demonstrations during Benedict's visit this year.
Aware of the growing controversy, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, in Rome leading the 34 other bishops of England and Wales on an ad limina or five yearly visit to see the Pope, said that Benedict XVI was only saying publicly what many devout people believed.
"I think (the Pope's) words will find an echo in many in our country who are uneasy that perhaps one of the unintended consequences of recent legislation is to drive religious belief and practice into the sphere of the private only," said the Archbishop.
He was speaking out after the Pope said that recent legislation in Britain ran counter to natural law, and imposed unjust limitations on the freedom of religious communities to act in accordance with their beliefs. >>> Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent | Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
TIMESONLINE: President Nicolas Sarkozy called for the start of a new "Franco-British brotherhood" today, as he arrived on the first state visit to Britain by a French President for 12 years.
In an interview, Mr Sarkozy said that it was time to reinvent the cross-Channel relationship from the strategic co-operation enshrined in the entente cordiale to become one of genuine closeness and "hand-in-glove" warmth.
The French President touched down at Heathrow Airport with his wife, Carla Bruni, where the couple were greeted on the tarmac by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at 11.25am. They then travelled in convoy to Windsor, where they were met by the Queen and travelled together in a state carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
Launching a charm offensive designed to realign French foreign policy, Mr Sarkozy told the BBC via a translator: "Whoever the British leader may be he will need others, other Europeans.
"And how can we do without your strong economy, your language which is the most spoken language throughout the world — do without your defence, which is the most significant in Europe? I want a new Franco-British brotherhood."
The moves to warm the relationship between Britain and France come after years of gradual decline in relations under the leadership of Jacques Chirac, who focused overwhelmingly on building a close relationship with Germany. Relations between France, Britain and the United States reached their lowest point for decades in 2003, when Mr Chirac openly opposed and derided the Iraq War.
Mr Sarkozy has made no secret of his pro-American leanings and has vowed to realign French foreign policy.
The French President added that he wanted Britain and France to work "hand in glove", and pointed to his role in closing down the controversial Sangatte immigrant camp while French Home Affairs Minister. Nicolas Sarkozy calls for 'Franco-British brotherhood' as state visit begins >>> By David Byers
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