The Pope? At Buckingham Palace?
The Pope will come to Britain next year, marking the first state visit by a pontiff. He is expected to meet the Queen, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and may stay at Buckingham Palace. The historic event, expected for September, is likely to overshadow even the triumphant pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II in 1982—which almost did not take place because of the Falklands conflict. The pontiff will meet the Prime Minister in a series of events over three days, which it is hoped will finally consign to the past Britain’s post-Reformation legacy of anti-Catholic prejudice. Gordon Brown extended an invitation during an audience in February and preparations have been under way for some time.
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