Opponents of the first ever state visit of a pope to the UK have been readying themselves for the arrival of Benedict XV in Edinburgh on Thursday.

Critics say the Roman Catholic Church is hostile towards homosexuality, citing its stance against gay marriage and adoption by homosexual couples.

It has also come under fire for its opposition to abortion, IVF, stem cell research and the use of condoms.

In recent weeks, there been some vociferous attacks on the Pope, with some calling for his arrest over his handling of the clerical sex abuse crisis that has scandalised the Church.

Supporters of the Church, though, say the most ferocious attacks come from militant secularists and radical humanists who are disturbed by faith and want to deny religion any voice in the public square, thereby undermining their own claim to pluralism.

The nature of the Pope’s trip has also proved controversial because British taxpayers have to underwrite the state’s £10m share of the costs.

Here is a rundown of some of the groups who will be speaking out during the Pope’s visit…

Continues: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11294941