Orangemen form group to oppose Papal visit

Some Orange Order members have formed a group to oppose any possible Papal visit to the North.

There is speculation that Benedict XVI will travel to the North when he visits the UK next year.

However, a new group calling itself Orange Reformation is urging the leadership of the Orange Order to speak out publicly against any such move.

It claims around 150 people have attended meetings in recent weeks arranged to oppose a Papal visit.

Last month, DUP Assembly member Ian McCrea said Benedict would feel "the vent of Protestant anger" if he visited the North.

Mr McCrea said the majority of people in the North were Protestants and belonged to denominations that believe the Pope is the Antichrist.