Memo from British Foreign Office mocks Catholic Church

An ill-advised memo by Britain’s Foreign Office about Pope Benedict XVI has left officials in the country red-faced and contrite. A document detailing a brainstorming session by a committee called the Government’s Papal Visit Team included suggestions that mocked the Church’s teachings. Among the proposals were to have the Pope open an abortion ward, preside over a gay marriage, and launch a range of "Benedict" condoms. Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy, who’s been playing a leading role in the planning of the visit, called the document "despicable" and said, "on behalf of the whole of the United Kingdom, we’d want to apologise to his Holiness the Pope."

The Telegraph

BBC News