Posted
Britain's foreign office has apologised for a
memorandum by a civil servant suggesting Pope Benedict should open a hospital
abortion ward when he visits Britain this year.
The document, which was leaked to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, also
included proposals that the Pope should bless a gay marriage and launch
papal-branded condoms when he comes to Britain in September.
The paper said the ideas, ridiculing the teachings of the Catholic
Church against abortion and contraception, resulted from a
"brainstorm" session.
It said Britain's ambassador to the Vatican had expressed the
government's regret to senior officials there.
"This is clearly a foolish document that does not in any way
reflect UK government or FCO policy or views," a spokesman for the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office said.
"Many of the ideas in the document are clearly ill-judged, naive
and disrespectful."
The paper said the proposals, drawn up by a junior civil servant in a
memo headlined "The ideal visit would see ...", were circulated among
officials in prime minister Gordon Brown's Downing Street office and at the
foreign office.
The document, which had a cover note admitting that some of the plans
were "far-fetched", also alluded to sex scandals involving paedophile
priests in a number of countries by suggesting Pope Benedict should launch a
helpline for abused children.
Other ideas included getting the pontiff to perform forward rolls with
children to promote healthy living and even performing a duet with Queen
Elizabeth, the Telegraph said.
The foreign office spokesman said no ministers had been shown the
document and it was withdrawn when senior officials became aware of it. The
individual responsible had been moved to other duties.
"He has been told orally and in writing that this was a serious
error of judgement and has accepted this view," the spokesman said.
"The FCO very much regrets this incident and is deeply sorry for the
offence which it has caused. We strongly value the close and productive
relationship between the UK government and the Holy See and look forward to
deepening this further with the visit of Pope Benedict to the UK later this
year."
Pope Benedict's trip from September 16 to 19 will be the first papal
visit to Britain since 1982.
He is due to meet the Queen and the Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual
head of the Anglican Church.