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02/07/2010
'No Pope Here' Says Paisley
Former Stormont First Minister and ex-DUP leader, Ian Paisley has said it was a "mistake" to invite Pope Benedict XVI to Britain.
He told the BBC that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI should not be invited to the UK at all. The firebrand politician - who as Lord Bannside will take his seat in the Lords on Monday - claimed that the Government was attempting to distance itself from the visit and suggested there was significance behind the fact that the Queen would meet the Roman Catholic leader "on Scottish soil".
In an interview with the BBC World Service, Mr Paisley, who led opposition to Pope John Paul II crossing into Northern Ireland when he visited Dublin in 1979, said the papal visit in the autumn should not happen.
Asked about the visit, Mr Paisley said: "Well, I think it's a mistake. I think he should not be invited to the country."
The Pope's trip in September will be the first official state visit by a Pontiff to the UK and the first papal visit since John Paul II in 1982.
Mr Paisley, who has a history of denouncing the Catholic Church, also said abusing priests were "anti-Christ".
"We have had a terrible happening in Ireland with the priests and monks and nuns all taking part in acts of disgraceful behaviour with young people, and we haven't seen the Catholic Church taking a strong stand on this," he told the BBC.
The Pope's itinerary includes a reception with the Queen at Holyrood House in Edinburgh and open-air Masses in Glasgow, Birmingham and London.
He will also attend a celebration of Catholic education and a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.
Mr Paisley stood down as first minister in 2008, to be replaced by his long-serving deputy, Peter Robinson.
Next Monday he will join his wife Eileen, who was made a baroness in 2006, in the House of Lords, where he will be known as Lord Bannside of North Antrim.
Meanwhile, a royal visit to the Irish Republic is being planned for next year - the first ever visit by the sovereign since partition.
See: Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?
(BMcC/GK)
He told the BBC that His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI should not be invited to the UK at all. The firebrand politician - who as Lord Bannside will take his seat in the Lords on Monday - claimed that the Government was attempting to distance itself from the visit and suggested there was significance behind the fact that the Queen would meet the Roman Catholic leader "on Scottish soil".
In an interview with the BBC World Service, Mr Paisley, who led opposition to Pope John Paul II crossing into Northern Ireland when he visited Dublin in 1979, said the papal visit in the autumn should not happen.
Asked about the visit, Mr Paisley said: "Well, I think it's a mistake. I think he should not be invited to the country."
The Pope's trip in September will be the first official state visit by a Pontiff to the UK and the first papal visit since John Paul II in 1982.
Mr Paisley, who has a history of denouncing the Catholic Church, also said abusing priests were "anti-Christ".
"We have had a terrible happening in Ireland with the priests and monks and nuns all taking part in acts of disgraceful behaviour with young people, and we haven't seen the Catholic Church taking a strong stand on this," he told the BBC.
The Pope's itinerary includes a reception with the Queen at Holyrood House in Edinburgh and open-air Masses in Glasgow, Birmingham and London.
He will also attend a celebration of Catholic education and a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.
Mr Paisley stood down as first minister in 2008, to be replaced by his long-serving deputy, Peter Robinson.
Next Monday he will join his wife Eileen, who was made a baroness in 2006, in the House of Lords, where he will be known as Lord Bannside of North Antrim.
Meanwhile, a royal visit to the Irish Republic is being planned for next year - the first ever visit by the sovereign since partition.
See: Queen To 'Cross Boyne' For Republic Visit?
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
