Papal boost for courses

PARTICIPATION in a course investigating the meaning of life is expected to be boosted following the Pope's visit to Edinburgh.

It is understood more people will take part in the numerous Alpha courses in the Capital over the next few months.

Church sources said the Papal visit would have encouraged even atheists to think more about spirituality, even if they were staunch in their disbelief of God.

The source said: "We are expecting a surge, because the Pope encouraged everyone to think about religion, not simply just Catholics."