Pope Benedict XVI is to visit Britain next year, the first papal visit to Britain in 30 years, after accepting an invitation from Gordon Brown. The announcement is due to be made by Buckingham Palace and the Vatican in the next few days.

Brown, a member of the Church of Scotland, has made three visits to the Vatican, and formally extended his invitation in February, when he met the pope with his wife, Sarah, and his children.

With 4 million Catholics in Britain, the news that the pope has agreed to visit will be seen as a much-needed political boost for Brown.

Brown, himself famously a son of the manse, may not be prime minister during the visit since it is likely to be next autumn by which time David Cameron, if the polls are correct, will be installed in office.

Cameron has described his own Christianity as shaky, comparing his beliefs to the reception of the Radio Chilterns, coming in and out from time to time.

• Full story at The Guardian.

• Filed under Church of Scotland, Gordon Brown, Roman Catholic Church, Scottish Christian News Monitor.