‘Outstanding contribution’ of schools praised

THE Pope paid tribute yesterday to the “outstanding contribution” made by religious orders to education in Britain as he began the second day of his state visit to Britain.

He told an audience of religious congregations gathered at St Mary’s College in Twickenham, south west London, of his “deep appreciation” for all the dedicated men and women who devote their lives to teaching the young.

He added, in an apparent reference to the child abuse scandal rocking the Church, that he wished to add a “particular word of appreciation” for those whose task is to ensure Catholic schools provide a safe environment for children and young people.