Britain’s international reputation is at stake over Pope Benedict XVI's trip in September, the Government co-ordinator for the papal visit has said.

Speaking at a press conference, Lord Patten of Barnes said the Government was determined to make the Holy Father’s trip a success “not only out of respect for the Pope, not only
out of determination to enhance the reputation of the United Kingdom, but because this will be an event followed by millions of people around the world”.

He said the Pope’s trip to Britain would put an end to any Catholic ever feeling like a “second-class citizen” because of its historic nature as a state visit.

The costs for the visit have soared. Lord Patten said that the Government would have to pay between £10 to £12 million for the state aspects of the visit instead of the original £8 million. This does not include policing costs.

But Lord Patten pointed out that just one day of the G20 conference in London last year cost the state £90 million, whereas the costs of the Pope’s visit would span over four days.

The Church’s costs have also risen. Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, the president of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said that the Church had managed to raise almost £5 million, including £1.1 million through the special collection at Pentecost.

In the next two days parishes across England and Wales will learn how to apply for invitations to papal events in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, Hyde Park in London, and Cofton Park near Birmingham.