Pope confirms visit to Scotland, praises Scottish Catholic education

Addressing Scotland’s Catholic Bishops in Rome today, the Pope has confirmed he will travel to Scotland later this year as part of his UK visit. Responding to an address by Cardinal Keith O’Brien, the Pope said; "Later this year, I shall have the joy of being present with you and the Catholics of Scotland on your native soil."

In his remarks, Pope Benedict spoke against euthanasia and sectarianism and gave vocal support to Scotland’s Catholic schools saying: "Faith schools are a powerful force for social cohesion."

Referring to the Reformation 450 years ago which he described as a "great rupture with Scotland’s Catholic past" the Pope stressed the need for ongoing ecumenical dialogue, to ensure that "the work of rebuilding unity among the followers of Christ is carried forward with constancy and commitment."

The Pope concluded by imparting his Apostolic Blessing on the Catholic Church in Scotland.

Reacting to the address, Cardinal Keith O’Brien said: "Together with my brother Bishops, I am filled with joy at the news that the Holy Father will visit Scotland, since he has confirmed his intention to visit us we in turn will now begin our preparations for his visit in earnest."

The Scottish Bishops met the Pope in a private audience this morning, during which Cardinal Keith O’Brien thanked the Pope for his teaching and promised him a "heartfelt welcome" to Scotland later this year, saying "we are thrilled that your visit will include Scotland".

The Cardinal who is President of the Bishops’ Conference added: "As Scots Catholics we are proud of our nation’s long relationship with the Holy See."

He stressed the Church’s long commitment to education from earliest times, citing; "the foundation by Papal authority of three of our great Scottish universities at St Andrews in 1413, Glasgow in 1451, and Aberdeen in 1495."

"Catholic schools at primary and secondary level continue this fine tradition of Catholic education as a service not just to the Catholic community but to the wider Scottish society."

Cardinal O’Brien concluded by asking the Pope for his Apostolic Blessing "for us, for our priests and our people, and for Scotland."

• Full text of Cardinal O’Brien’s address and Pope Benedict’s reply at Independent Catholic News.

• Posted in Ecumenism, Education, Papal Visit, Roman Catholic Church