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A new survey indicates that three quarters of the British people do not believe taxpayers' money should be used to pay towards the Papal visit to the UK in a few days' time.
It is an interesting conundrum in an unusual situation. Official visits by Heads of State occur regularly, arranged to strengthen ties with other nations for economic, diplomatic and security reasons. The Pope is Head of State of Vatican City but has no real secular power, his primacy lying in his position as head of the worldwide Catholic Church. For non-Catholics with strong religious views (pro or against organised religion), or taxpayers generally, to object to subsidising his visit to the tune of several million pounds is understandable particularly in a time of economic austerity.
However, the Pope is the spiritual leader of millions of people throughout the world, and his visit is of interest to many Christians in the UK not just Catholics. It is an opportunity to strengthen the ties with the Church of England and to progress the mutual work they undertake to help the needy in the UK. Additionally, it is not generally known how closely the Vatican has been working with the British government to help to achieve the international Millennium Development Goals.
So, for social, environmental, spiritual and diplomatic needs at least the visit is important. There will be cultural benefits too, as priceless Raphael tapestries from the Sistine Chapel will be on exhibition for the first time, in London.
Catholics in Britain are being asked to pay towards the visit, which is as it should be, and it is right that there is a demarcation between taxpayer money going towards the "state" part of the visit and the Church paying for the services and religious gatherings.
It is a difficult time for the Pope to make a visit of such significance, with objections to its costs and appropriateness, and continuing controversy about child abuse by priests in the background. I am not a Catholic, but I hope the visit is a success, that he feels welcome and that all the good intentions behind it are realised.
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I am a spiritual teacher, channel and writer with a special interest in esoteric philosophy and the world in transition, who loves nature and wildlife. My aim is to help your human and soul journey through spiritual wisdom, spiritual connection and the raising of consciousness.