Even amid the abuse crisis engulfing the Roman Catholic Church globally, the visit by Pope Benedict XVI in the autumn will rank among the most important events in Scotland so far this century, not least because it is the first official state visit by a pontiff to the UK.

The Herald understands the state element will be underlined immediately on the Pope’s ­arrival at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland being the first stage of the four-day visit, where he is expected to be met by Prince Charles, with Cardinal Keith O’Brien, head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster.

Others with access include a tier of diplomatic dignitaries and a group of “Vamps”, Vatican-approved media personnel.

The Queen’s Scottish spokesman said no details of the visit, including which member of the Royal Family would meet the Pope on his arrival, would be released until closer to the time.

• Full story at The Herald.

• Filed under Edinburgh + East, Glasgow, West + Ayrshire, Papal Visit, Roman Catholic Church, Scottish Christian News Monitor.