Paisley protests over visithe brands as 'nonsense'

Dr Paisley, now Lord Bannside, arrived in Edinburgh’s Old Town to highlight his concerns over the four-day visit, which he branded a “nonsense”.

Members of the Free Presbyterian Church unveiled a banner near the Magdalen Chapel in Cowgate.

They also distributed booklets outlining their opposition to Pope Benedict XVI’s trip.

The booklet stated that “recent scandals” within the Roman Catholic Church meant that the Pope would not receive a universal welcome.

Dr Paisley was critical of the fact that the papal visit to the UK was not discussed in the House of Commons.

Speaking at the same time as the Pope was in Edinburgh, Dr Paisley said: “I don’t want his blessing and I will be keeping as far away as I can. Why? Because the whole thing is nonsense.”

Dr Paisley addressed around 60 followers on the corner of Grassmarket and Cowgate in a gathering which also featured songs and prayers.

Dr Paisley later defended his decision to protest in Scotland on the same day as the Pope’s visit. He told reporters: “I believe in freedom. I wouldn’t be muzzled by anybody. I believe there has to be civil and religious liberty and there should be full debate on these things.”

Asked if he risked igniting religious tensions, he replied: “I believe we should debate this and we should debate it in a reasonable manner – not inciting people to attack anyone – but attack those views that we feel are not truthful, are not accurate and only deceive people.”