The Pope’s visit to Britain has come under fresh scrutiny after it was revealed that multi-millionaires funded a significant proportion of the trip and were granted a coveted private audience with the Pontiff. During the four-day visit, many of the donors met Benedict XVI at a series of gatherings, one of which took place just before Mass at Westminster Cathedral.Costs for State events during the visit, including the Pope’s meeting with the Queen, were met by the taxpayer, but the Catholic Church was faced with a £10 million bill for staging religious events such as the Hyde Park prayer vigil. The Church still needs to raise another £3.5 million to cover this bill and it is set to approach many of the donors again to see if they are prepared to make up the shortfall.
A national collection in the parishes earlier this year raised only about £1 million. Catholics last night voiced their unease over the need to raise money from businessmen. One insider said: ‘It is always an uncomfortable place for the Church, cosying up to the rich. Some Catholics will feel distinctly queasy, especially as donors had the rare chance to meet and talk to the Pope face-to-face.’
Catholic theologian Tina Beattie, a prominent commentator on the visit, said she was ‘disappointed’ by the disclosures. Professor Beattie said that while the Pope may have had to shake hands with wealthy backers to pay for his visit, she did not believe they had influenced his overall message, which had included a sideswipe at reckless bankers.
A spokesman for the Church said it never confirmed the identity of donors and there was no understanding that benefactors would necessarily meet the Pope during the visit.
Sources include
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1315281/Pope-hire-row-rich-pay-millions-meet-him.html
http://www.westminstercathedral.org.uk/
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Pope-Visit-Thousands-Gathering-In-Londons-Hyde-Park-For-Papal-Prayer-Vigil/Article/201009315734536?f=rss
http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/staff/TinaBeattie
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