Tony Blair extends open invitation to the Pope

The Prime Minister and Pope Benedict XVI discuss interfaith relations and the possibility of a papal visit during 40-minute private audience, reports Freddy Gray PRIME MINISTER Tony Blair last Saturday asked Pope Benedict XVI to visit Britain.
Downing Street acknowledged this week that an "open invitation" had been extended to Pope Benedict.
It is understood that several key figures in the Blair Government, including the Prime Minister himself, are keen to secure a papal visit before the next general election.
But reports suggest that the Pope is "booked up" until at least 2008. However, a senior Government source told The Catholic Herald this week that he was confident Benedict XVI would visit Britain.
He said that the Government believed that a harmonious papal visit to Britain would encourage other faith groups — notably the Islamic community — to integrate themselves into modem Britain.
"Fifty years ago Catholics were seen as on the periphery of British society," he said. "But now they've managed to become mainstream and keep their identity. That's alesson for other immigrant populations to follow in adapting to other cultures."
Downing Street's press office confirmed this week that the theme of interreligious dialogue — both at a global and a local level — featured prominently in the Prime Minister's discussions with the Pope. The two leaders reportedly talked about how religious groups could help prevent religious extremism by encouraging "faith communities" to work together.
"The global intercultural perspective is something the Prime Minister has majored on in recent speeches on foreign policy," said a Downing Street spokesman. They also talked about China and Africa at great length."
Mr Blair's meeting with the Pontiff was notable for its length. The two men spoke for 40 minutes, Heads of state are normally only granted 20 minutes of the Pope's time.
A Government source said the meeting was "very warm" and that the discussion had been "very substantial". The leaders exchanged gifts. as is the custom. Mr Blair gave the Pope a CD box set, silver cufflinks and some books. After his meeting, Mr Blair, accompanied by his wife Cherie, visited the tomb of John Paul II. It was Mrs Blair's second visit to Rome in recent weeks. On April 28 she had her own audience with the Pope.
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