Cameron hails 'incredibly moving' visit by Pope

Before leaving, the Pope thanked the British people for the "warmth of your welcome" after hundreds of thousands of worshippers went out to see him during his visit to Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Birmingham.

He said: "The very diversity of modern Britain is a challenge to its Government and people, but it also represents a great opportunity to further intercultural and inter-religious dialogue for the enrichment of the entire community."

Mr Cameron described the state visit as "incredibly moving" but he felt moved to defend the country against accusations of "aggressive secularism".

Mr Cameron added that he had agreed to work with the Catholic Church on pressing international matters, including global warming and poverty.

He said: "I passionately believe that we must continue to help the poorest, even in difficult economic times.

"A yawning gap between the rich and the poor will mean a world more dangerous and less secure for all of us.

"So this country will keep its promises on aid and we will work to hold other countries to keep their promises too."

During his visit the Pope dealt with the issues of child sex scandals within the church, meeting with abuse victims and acknowledging how the affair undermined the moral credibility" of the Church.

The Pope is said to have expressed his "deep sorrow and shame" after meeting five clerical sex abuse victims in a private meeting in London.

He also used his visit to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman, his first since being elected Pope in 2005, at a special Mass in Birmingham. The Pontiff also recorded the Battle of Britain's 70th anniversary by praising those who sacrificed their

lives.

"Seventy years later, we recall with shame and horror the dreadful toll of death and destruction that war brings in its wake, and we renew our resolve to work for peace and reconciliation wherever the threat of conflict looms. "

Meanwhile six men questioned by police investigating a plot to attack the Pope were all released without charge.