The Pope’s visit to Britain will not be affected by a leaked memo which appeared to mock the Catholic Church, the Vatican has said.

The Foreign Office has apologised over the paper resulting from a “brainstorm” which said the Pope could bless a gay marriage or open an abortion clinic.

UK newspaper reports have quoted Vatican sources as saying the September visit could now be in doubt.

But Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said: “For us the case is closed.”

Noting the Foreign Office’s apology, Fr Lombardi told the ANSA news agency the incident would have “absolutely” no impact on the Pope’s 16 to 19 September visit.

Continues: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8643370.stm

See earlier story: http://www.humanistlife.org.uk/2010/04/could-the-pope-actually-cancel-state-visit-to-britain/