Scotland to host Pope on UK visit

Pope Benedict XVI is to include Scotland in a visit to the UK later this year, the Catholic Church confirmed yesterday.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Feb 2010, 22:17 BST

Updated 5th Feb 2010, 22:17 BST

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 Prime Minister 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 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 yesterday morning.