The Church is enjoying a “Benedict bounce” following the Pope's visit, Cardinal Keith O’Brien has said.

Addressing the Pope at Oscott College in Birmingham on the last day of the Holy Father’s British visit, the leader of Scotland’s Catholics thanked Benedict for “four wonderful days”.

He said: “It was a particular joy that you would arrive on the day of St Ninian. Your words, and very presence, brought back to us our ancient Christian heritage.

“The St Ninian scarf, which you so graciously wore, showed you were proud to be an honorary Scotsman just for a day.