Pope's "joy" as visit to Scotland is confirmed

POPE Benedict XVI will visit Scotland as part of a trip to the UK later this year.

He confirmed that Scotland will be included in the trip during an address to Scottish bishops at the Vatican today.

He said: "Later this year, I shall have the joy of being present with you and the Catholics of Scotland on your native soil."

It will be the first visit by a pontiff to the country since Pope John Paul II came to Bellahouston Park in Glasgow and Murrayfield in Edinburgh in 1982.

The trip is reportedly scheduled for autumn of this year.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said; "Together with my brother bishops, I am filled with joy at the news that the Holy Father will visit Scotland. Since he has confirmed his intention to visit us, we, in turn, will now begin our preparations for his visit in earnest."