Support for Pope still high in Britain

SUPPORT for the Pope among British Roman Catholics remains high, despite most disagreeing with their Church’s stance on controversial issues, a survey indicated yesterday.

Ahead of Pope Benedict XVI’s arrival in Britain on Thursday, the first Papal visit in 28 years, the poll showed a division between official doctrine on contraception, abortion and homosexuality and the views of the Catholic community in the country.

The majority of respondents expressed firm support for the Pontiff, despite saying they believed the Catholic Church was permanently damaged by child abuse scandals.