Not welcome

So the pope arrived today and warned against "aggressive secularism", he congratulated Britain for its traditions of tolerance, how ironic for as head of a church that is anything but tolerant.

There are so many areas of discussion. How is the pope afforded the privileges of a state visit, no other religious leader would be so treated. When public services are being cut what defence can the government have for the expenditure on such a visit.

The pope congratulated Britain on its fight against Nazism, yet of course he was involved in that fight as a member of the Hitler youth movement and at 83 he is certainly the age to have fought for Hitler's Germany. The facts that the media seem to not want to dwell on. Of course the pope also rehabilitated the priest who was a holocaust denier.

The Catholic Church remains fixed in its views that deny equality to women, and labels gay and lesbians as incapable of good. Meanwhile over years to has shielded priests who sexually abused children, this new found attitude of care for the victims is opportune, but what about bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile the Catholic Church vetoes the use of condoms in 3rd World nations , while turning a blind eye to the fact that in Europe those who follow the faith obviously practice birth control. It opposes abortion even for victims of sexual violence and abuse, and attacks stem cell research that offers hope to many who have to live with what are currently incurable conditions and diseases .

Frankly the last thing we need is to be lectured about civilised behaviour by this man. If members of the church wish to hear him no problem, but as to why those of us who believe in equality should have to foot the bill , no way.