Vatican confirms Pope Benedict XVI to visit Scotland

POPE Benedict XVI is to include Scotland in his visit to the UK later this year, the Catholic Church confirmed today.

The announcement was made during a visit to the Vatican by Scotland's Catholic bishops.

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

The pontiff was invited to the UK by Gordon Brown during a private audience in February.

The papal visit will be the first since predecessor John Paul II's pastoral trip in 1982.

He attracted crowds of thousands to Glasgow's Bellahouston Park and Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh during the stay.

According to reports, the trip is expected to take place in autumn next year and may include a stay at Buckingham Palace. He is said to be planning to visit Glasgow and Edinburgh during the trip.

The Scottish Bishops met the Pope in a private audience this morning.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien 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."

The cardinal thanked the Pope for his teaching and promised him a "heartfelt welcome" to Scotland later this year, saying "we are thrilled that your visit will include Scotland".

In his remarks, Pope Benedict spoke against euthanasia and sectarianism and gave vocal support to Scotland's catholic schools. He said: "Faith schools are a powerful force for social cohesion."

Referring to the Reformation 450 years ago, which he described as a "great rupture with Scotland's Catholic past", the Pope stressed the need for ongoing ecumenical dialogue to ensure that "the work of rebuilding unity among the followers of Christ is carried forward with constancy and commitment".