Popes visit. I just think the Vatican should pay

[GabbyLoggon]

At a time of recession, the taxpayer should not be paying for the Popes visit.

I think the Vatican should give an equivalent sum to counselling/therapy/support for all those its priests have abused in its name, rather than fund a all-singing, all-dancing 4 day party for someone who condones child sexual abuse.

And the pope should just fuck off.

Trouble is, the Queen invited him. Which makes it a state visit, which means the taxpayer coughs up. Maybe we should get someone to ask her not to invite him again?

Amum, well HMQ and the Vatican could foot the bill. We must not hold our breaths.

South Africa's Jacob Zuma was the last state visit back in March (when were also in a recession). Zuma's back catalogue of personal problems and dodgy allegations doesn't sit easily with a lot of people but we respect the office and roll out the red carpet. The catholic church's standing has probably never been lower with the British public than it is right now but keeping chummy with various high-level figures and organisations is what makes the commercial and political world go around.

As it stands, he's having trouble filling the venues, even with the catholic population on a three-line-whip to attend. There won't be another visit for a long, long time.

There is something in that last para. I like the "3 line whip" remark. Because they had the children at twickenham 4 hours ahead of the kick off.

Rosebud05. How rude to say the "Pope should FOFF" I can think of plenty I would tell to Foff but not the Holy Father, it would be closer to home. Don't get me started!